Celestial Classification

The Celestial Classification System (CCS) is an alphanumeric identification system used to quickly and universally identify celestial objects without requiring a given name. It was originally introduced in 1735 CE by researchers in the Kolban Alliance as part of a deal with The Journalists in order to improve documentation of stars within the galaxy. In 1745, the system was expanded to include planets, moons and other minor types of celestial bodies, such as comets. CCS has since become the mainstream identification method for newly discovered or explored star systems, as well as a scientific indexing method for existing ones. Currently, CCS codes are handled and formally applied by the Galactic Astronomical Union.

The first two letters of the ID code refer to the astral territory or astral territories the body resides in, or whichever civilisation or organisation has jurisdiction over it. For example, the star systems Sol and Firezin which sit in the centre of the Human and Cindus astral territories respectively are given the codes HH and CC. For any star systems bordering other territories, a mixed code is applied - such as HD for the Nethierre star system, which is within the Human astral territory but borders that of the Dottians. The numerical code for each body is unique, with stars receiving a triple or quadruple digit number. Any other bodies directly tied to that star (such as planets) receive the same number, with an added code to identify what it is. In the star system Basecht (celestial classification SX-007) the first planet Roglun is given the code SX-007P1 to denote that it is the innermost planet of the system with that code. Moons deviate from this pattern by instead appending a purely alphabetical code. The planet Jawtriss' moon Enshar is identified by the celestial classification code CC-001P4B.

For a full list of celestial classification codes and the bodies they refer to, view the List of Articles by Celestial Classification.