A Douglas primary school’s suggested Manx Gaelic names for an exoplanet and star have been chosen in an international competition.

An exoplanet and its host star have been christened ’Cruinlagh’ meaning ’orbit’ and ’Gloas’ meaning ’shine’ respectively, names which were put forward by class 4/5G at Cronk Y Berry Primary School in Douglas.

These Manx Gaelic words, pronounced as crunlack and glowas, describe the physical properties of the planet WASP-13b that exists outside the solar system and its star WASP-13.

It’s the first time a planet and star have been given a Manx name.

Tina Graham, teacher of class 4/5G, said: ’To find out that our name is the one that the public has chosen for the planet and star is truly mind blowing. It’s testament to the creativity and talent of the entire class and we’re incredibly proud that a piece of our culture, language and history has now made its way across the stars.

’This competition was an amazing opportunity to get our pupils thinking about what exists beyond our own solar system.’

The competition was run by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to celebrate its 100th anniversary and was launched by Professor Robert Walsh, professor of astrophysics at the University of Central Lancashire.

Cronk Y Berry Primary School had joined more than 10,000 young people from across the UK in submitting a name suggestion for the star and exoplanet.

Over 1,000 individual suggestions were made with the island school being shortlisted in the top ten.

Nearly 15,000 votes were cast, with Cronk y Berry Primary School’s suggestions resulting as the overall winning names.

Professor Walsh, who is a UK national outreach coordinator for the IAU, was responsible for overseeing the UK arm of the IAU competition.

He said: ’The quality of suggestions was truly exceptional, and it was great to see young minds across the country engaging with science in a new and novel way.

’The chosen name has had some real thought put into it and I’m thrilled that the talented class of Cronk y Berry Primary School have truly made their mark on the universe - something that they can cherish for years to come.’

Debra Elmegreen, IAU president-elect, said: ’It is gratifying that so many people across the globe have helped create a name for a planetary system that is meaningful to their culture and heritage.

’This effort helps unite us all in our exploration of the universe.’

Also getting in on the praise was Chief Minister Howard Quayle, who wrote on Twitter: ’Congratulations to Cronk y Berry Primary School who have won a world-wide competition to name a planet.’