what is the format or convention of their names?
A three-step process:- First, a provisional designation is given upon discovery, second, it receives a number and third, it is named by its discoverers.
Minor planet
All astronomical bodies in the Solar System need a distinct designation. The naming of minor planets runs through a three-step process. First, a provisional designation is given upon discovery—because the object still may turn out to be a false positive or become lost later on—called a "provisionally designated minor planet". After the observation arc is accurate enough to predict its future location, a minor planet is formally designated and receives a number. It is then a "numbered minor planet". Finally, in the third step, it may be named by its discoverers. However, only a small fraction of all minor planets have been named. 
what does the flag of manitoba look like? A Red Ensign defaced with the shield of the provincial coat of arms. who created the design for it? UNANSWERABLE what is the ensign mentioned above? It is the civil ensign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. what does it mean to have a defaced version of this? In this context, the word "deface" carries no negative connotations, in contrast to general usage, it simply indicates differentiation of the flag from that of another owner by addition of elements. which countries carry this version on their flags? Italy, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Ethiopia, and Iran. is there a blue version of the ensign? The Australian flag. can you describe the flag of the first country mentioned above? UNANSWERABLE what are some of the water bodies in or around this country? The Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea what other countries have a coast along the first sea? UNANSWERABLE are there any volcanoes in this country mentioned above? Yes, there are 14 volcanoes in Italy, four of which are active: Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano and Vesuvius. where is the third one located? It is a small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about north of Sicily and located at the southernmost end of the seven Aeolian Islands. when was the last time it erupted? 1888. does it appear in any mythological tales? Yes, Greek, the island appeared in their myths as the private foundry of the Olympian god Hephaestus, the patron of blacksmiths. what does the above-mentioned god make? He made all the weapons of the gods in Olympus. who were his parents? Zeus and Hera. who were his consorts or wives? Aphrodite and Cabeiro. are there any planets named after him? Yes, 2212 Hephaistos. what type of planet is it? Its a minor planet. why are these called so? They are astronomical objects in direct orbit around the Sun (or more broadly, any star with a planetary system) that is neither a planet nor exclusively classified as a comet.
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Minor planet [SEP] Naming conventions
All astronomical bodies in the Solar System need a distinct designation. The naming of minor planets runs through a three-step process. First, a provisional designation is given upon discovery—because the object still may turn out to be a false positive or become lost later on—called a "provisionally designated minor planet". After the observation arc is accurate enough to predict its future location, a minor planet is formally designated and receives a number. It is then a "numbered minor planet". Finally, in the third step, it may be named by its discoverers. However, only a small fraction of all minor planets have been named.