Local school in top 10 to name exoplanet

A local primary school has made the top ten in a worldwide competition to name an exoplanet and its host star.

Cronk Y Berry Primary School entered the competition run by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) - which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. 

An exoplanet is a planet that exists outside of our own solar system, the UK’s is currently named WASP-13b.

Last month, hundreds of UK schools submitted ideas, with suggestions ranging from Celtic mythology to UK mountains - these were then whittled down by a team of astronomy experts, with the public now offered the chance to crown a winner.

Cronk Y Berry submitted the name - Cruinlagh Gloas - which translates from Manx Gaelic to 'orbit' and 'shine'.

The school is now asking the Manx public to get behind them and vote at www.exoworld.co.uk.