Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
SF uses Terra, as well as Sol and Luna because astronomers do. Those are the official names dating back centuries.
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As a former professional astronomer, I have never, EVER, either heard or read of any astronomer using the names "Terra", "Sol", or "Luna"
. The ruling body of astronomy, the IAU (International Astronomical Union) does not mandate names for the major planets, for the very simple reason that it's never been required to name one. Planetary naming is left up to countries - eg in the US, the body which does it is the US Geological Survey, and I'm afraid they've opted for good old "Earth", "Sun", and "Moon".