JERUSALEM, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli public have chosen "Alef" as the name of a planet discovered in 2008, Israel's Ministry of Science and Technology announced Tuesday.
The name selection was part of the 100th anniversary events of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the authority responsible for assigning names to celestial bodies.
The Israeli ministry launched a competition to name the planet, scientifically marked "HAT-P-9b". A total of 20,000 people suggested 1,600 names.
The planet, part of the Auriga constellation, is about 1,500 light years away from earth.
"Alef" is the first letter in the Hebrew language alphabet, and in the Bible it means "bull", as the letter shape was evolved from the shape of the bull's head.
The Israelis also chose the name "Tevel" for the star which Alef orbits around.
Israel's Minister of Science and Technology Ofir Akunis said it is honorable and interesting for the Israeli public to participate in the naming of the planet.
"This is a further proof of the growing public interest in science, technology and innovation," he added.
