WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency is asking the public for help in re-naming the cutting edge Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, otherwise known as GLAST.

The space observatory, targeted for launch later this year, is designed to observe some of the universe's most powerful forces in a search for signs of new laws of physics and what composes the mysterious dark matter.

"We're looking for name suggestions that will capture the excitement of GLAST's mission and call attention to gamma-ray and high-energy astronomy," said Alan Stern NASA's associate administrator for science. "We are looking for something memorable to commemorate this spectacular new astronomy mission. We hope someone will come up with a name that is catchy, easy to say and will help make the satellite and its mission a topic of dinner table and classroom discussion."

Suggestions for the mission's new name can be an acronym, but it is not a requirement. Any suggestions for naming the telescope after a scientist can only include names of deceased scientists whose names are not already used for other NASA missions. All suggestions will be considered.

Suggestions will be accepted through March 31 at http://glast.sonoma.edu/glastname