...
- the name precision is guided by the source localization precision rather than by source separation to allow comparison with other catalogues.
- given the IAU guidelines and the brightest LAT sources localization down to a fraction of an arcminute, the only possible naming scheme in R.A and Dec is 1GL JHHMMSS.s-DDMMSS. IAU does not want decimals before the arcsecond and time second levels, nor decimal degrees in R.A. and Dec (no 1GL JDDD.ddd-DDD.ddd) even though it is much easier for your brain to grasp and memorize.
- Practice from INTEGRAL and HESS sources tells that 1GL JHHMMSS.s-DDMMSS names are extremely difficult to memorize and use efficiently. One gets lost only after a few sources, especially if they are closeby. For instance, try to memorize NGC4151 = J121032.6+392420 for a few days!
- One can use decimal degrees in Galactic coordinates, which would lead to 1GL GLLL.lll-BB.bbb and your brain will round the number up to help your memory. The COS-B catalogue was in Galactic coordinates. Yet, quasars (that will dominate the LAT catalogue) are usually in R.A. and Dec. So, what do we choose ?
- We can use 1GL, 1GLA, or 1LAT acronyms as long as it is longer or equal to 3 letters.
...