Naming a supernova

The naming of supernovas is determined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Once a supernova is discovered it is reported to the IAU which then sends out a circular with the name it assigns it. Naming is done by the year of the discovery, immediately followed by a one or two-letter designation.The discovery of the recent supernova was soon verified by astronomers in Canada and the U.S. Once verified it was reported to the IAU's Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams. As far as discoveries go this is Kathryn's first. However, her father has seven under his belt while their friend David Lane has four.