On 2026 June 15 the IAU Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) published a list of new, officially named minor planets (asteroids).
Discovery: 1993-03-29 / S. Otomo / Kiyosato / 894
"Assateague is an island and national park in Maryland with over 1 million visitors each year, has 37 miles of protected barrier habitat, and is one of few places in the United States where wild horses reside. In 2026 students at the University of Maryland observed the lightcurve and rotation period of this asteroid." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (6917) Assateague = 1993 FR2
(7786) Norikazunagata = 1994 TB15
Discovery: 1994-10-14 / Y. Shimizu, T. Urata / Nachikatsuura / 905
"Norikazu Nagata (b. 1954) is a Japanese amateur astronomer and weather forecaster in the southern Japanese city of Miyama. He has contributed to the popularization and development of earth science education related to astronomy and meteorology in Fukuoka Prefecture." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (7786) Norikazunagata = 1994 TB15
Discovery: 1993-03-18 / S. Shirai, S. Hayakawa / Hidaka / 868
"Maryland references both the US state (“MD”) and the University of Maryland (“UMD”). Of the 13 colonies, MD was named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria. Part of MD's public education system, UMD hosts the Small Bodies Node (“SBN”) program, which archives and distributes information about small bodies in the solar system." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (12344) Maryland = 1993 FB1
Discovery: 1998-12-01 / Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program / Xinglong County / 327
"Zhang Chao (b. 1982) is a Chinese astronomy communicator, astrophotographer and microphotographer. His outreach and photography reveal the beauty of nature from microscopic to cosmic worlds to the general public. He also initiated a nationwide folk constellation survey that advanced cultural astronomy studies in China." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (15040) Zhangchao = 1998 XC
Discovery: 1999-05-12 / LINEAR / Socorro / 704
"Jing Li (1960–2025), Chinese-American solar astrophysicist and wife of astronomer David Jewitt, studied the solar dynamo. Her research resolved the 180° ambiguity in vector magnetographs and probed the large-scale, long-lived coronal streamers. Jing also contributed to small-body research via solar spacecraft data." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (18001) Lijing = 1999 JY83
Discovery: 1978-12-06 / E. Bowell, A. Warnock / Palomar Mountain / 675
"John P. Hagen (1908–1990) was an American solar radio astronomer who was appointed director of the Navy's Project Vanguard Earth satellite program in 1955. His awards included the Presidential Certificate of Merit and the U.S. Navy's Distinguished Service Medal. John retired in 1975 as head of the Astronomy Department at Pennsylvania State University." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (19091) Hagen = 1978 XX
(20105) Linjingming = 1995 OS1
Discovery: 1995-07-19 / Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program / Xinglong County / 327
"Lin Jingming (b. 1985) is a Chinese amateur astronomer recognized for historical research, astronomical terminology standardization, and science outreach. He corrected the historical Chinese translation of the name of (139) Juewa, contributed to the review of Chinese astronomical terminology, and has written widely for astronomy magazines across China." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20105) Linjingming = 1995 OS1
(20123) Hansamundsen = 1995 WD32
Discovery: 1995-11-19 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Hans E. F. Amundsen (1958–2023) led the Arctic Mars Analogue Svalbard Expedition (AMASE). A rugged Norwegian field scientist, he established Svalbard as a premier testing ground for NASA Mars missions after the site revealed features analogous to Martian carbonates. With the AMASE team he helped develop instruments for multiple Mars missions." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20123) Hansamundsen = 1995 WD32
(20124) Marilynfogel = 1995 WJ36
Discovery: 1995-11-21 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Marilyn L. Fogel (1952–2022) was a pioneering American biogeochemist and expert on stable isotopes at the Carnegie Institution and U. of California. She revolutionized use of stable isotopes to understand metabolism, the history of life, and extraterrestrial organics, earning her the moniker “Isotope Queen” and election to the National Academy of Sciences." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20124) Marilynfogel = 1995 WJ36
(20126) Sandfordasher = 1995 YM9
Discovery: 1995-12-18 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Sandford (Sandy) Asher (1947–2026) was an American planetary scientist and valued colleague on the NASA Mars 2020 mission. His pioneering work developing deep-UV Raman spectroscopy supported the development and operations of the SHERLOC instrument and the critical identification of minerals and organics on Mars." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20126) Sandfordasher = 1995 YM9
Discovery: 1995-12-19 / NEAT / Haleakala / 566
"Liane G. Benning (b. 1963) is a German expert in mineral formation and microbe/mineral interactions in extreme environments. She is a Professor of Interface Chemistry at the GFZ Potsdam and the Freie Universität Berlin. Liane has advanced humanity's ability to search for biosignatures in the Martian geological record with her work on Martian meteorites." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20127) Benning = 1995 YV22
Discovery: 1996-01-07 / AMOS / Haleakala / 608
"Pamela (Pan) G. Conrad (b. 1952) is an American astrobiologist and expert on planetary habitability. As Deputy Principal Investigator for the SAM instrument on Curiosity and Co-Investigator for SHERLOC on Perseverance, she led the development of key strategies to detect biosignatures and assess environmental conditions on Mars." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20128) Panconrad = 1996 AK
Discovery: 1996-01-21 / Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program / Xinglong County / 327
"Huang Wei (b. 1970) is a Chinese amateur astronomer and writer who has been a prolific contributor to the Tian Wen Ai Hao Zhe magazine (Astronomy Enthusiast) and other Chinese astronomy publications. In the pre-internet era, he introduced telescopes and astrophotography techniques to fellow amateur astronomers across China." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20132) Huangwei = 1996 BK13
Discovery: 1996-08-17 / NEAT / Haleakala / 566
"Carina Lee (b. 1988) is an American planetary scientist and SHERLOC team member. An expert in prebiotic chemistry, she leads research into the preservation of organic molecules within Martian minerals and the effects of chirality, helping to distinguish potential biosignatures from abiotic chemistry in Jezero Crater." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20138) Carinalee = 1996 QP
(20142) Joannaclark = 1996 RC12
Discovery: 1996-09-08 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Joanna V. Clark (b. 1991) is an American planetary scientist who is an expert on the stability of chlorate and perchlorate minerals. Her research on these salts is critical for interpreting data from the SHERLOC instrument on the Mars 2020 rover and understanding the preservation of organics on Mars." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20142) Joannaclark = 1996 RC12
(20143) Julianegross = 1996 RQ16
Discovery: 1996-09-13 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Juliane Gross (b. 1979) is a German-American scientist and the NASA Artemis Curation Lead. Her research includes investigating Mars and martian meteorites as well as path-finding work on pristine samples from the Apollo missions. Her intensive work as Artemis Curation Lead fills a mission-critical step in humanity's return to the Moon." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20143) Julianegross = 1996 RQ16
Discovery: 1996-10-08 / NEAT / Haleakala / 566
"Michael Huh (b. 1987) is an American scientist and the NASA Cold Curation Lead. He directs the development of advanced cryogenic infrastructure and handling techniques required for future sample-return missions, ensuring that volatile-rich samples from the lunar South Pole and beyond are preserved in their pristine, frozen state." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20149) Huh = 1996 TX3
Discovery: 1996-10-09 / NEAT / Haleakala / 566
"Aaron B. Regberg (b. 1983) is an American scientist and the NASA Curation Microbiologist. He leads the first controlled effort to sample the exterior of the International Space Station during spacewalks, studying how terrestrial microbes survive in vacuum to inform planetary protection standards for the Artemis and Mars campaigns." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20152) Regberg = 1996 TQ7
(20157) Andreaharrington = 1996 TS18
Discovery: 1996-10-04 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Andrea D. Harrington (b. 1984) is an American scientist and the NASA Antarctic Meteorite Curator. As the Mars Sample Return Curation Lead, she directed difficult and innovative work designing containment facilities and Mars sample-handling protocols, defining the critical infrastructure necessary to protect both returned samples and the Earth." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20157) Andreaharrington = 1996 TS18
Discovery: 1996-10-05 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Judith H. Allton (b. 1946) is an American contamination-control expert who served as the NASA Genesis Sample Curator. She managed the preservation and distribution of solar-wind samples, pioneering the cleaning techniques necessary to salvage the collection after the return capsule's impact." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20158) Allton = 1996 TD21
Discovery: 1996-10-07 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Christopher J. Snead (b. 1973) is an American planetary scientist and the NASA Hayabusa2 Sample Curator. An expert in small-particle manipulation, he developed advanced micro-handling techniques essential for analyzing sub-millimeter grains from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, preserving their scientific integrity for future generations." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20159) Snead = 1996 TM28
Discovery: 1996-11-10 / D. di Cicco / Sudbury / 817
"Ryan A. Zeigler (b. 1976) is an American scientist who is the NASA Apollo Sample Curator. He oversees the protection and global distribution of lunar samples returned by the Apollo missions, ensuring the collection continues to inform new lunar research as well as guiding continued exploration of the Moon." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20165) Zeigler = 1996 VT2
Discovery: 1996-11-30 / L. Lai / Dossobuono / 560
"Salerno is a provincial capital in Campania, Italy. Founded by the Romans in 197 BC, it became the capital of the Principality of Salerno in the Early Middle Ages. It evolved into a multicultural center and the home of the Salerno Medical School, the oldest of its kind in Europe." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20171) Salerno = 1996 WC2
(25010) Guillermotimoner = 1998 PL1
Discovery: 1998-08-14 / À. López, R. Pacheco / Costitx / 620
"Guillermo Timoner Obrador (1926–2023) was a Spanish track cyclist and six-time UCI Motor-paced World Champion in the middle-distance event. Between 1971 and 1978, he coached the Spanish national track cycling team." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (25010) Guillermotimoner = 1998 PL1
(27182) Korinotenmondai = 1999 CL3
Discovery: 1999-02-08 / F. Uto / Kashihara / 365
"Korinotenmondai is the Japanese name for the Korino Observatory in Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The observatory was funded by Noriko Uto and donated to the city. A 0.4-m reflecting telescope was installed in the rooftop dome. The observatory opened in 2016." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (27182) Korinotenmondai = 1999 CL3
(30559) Cyrusavery = 2001 OG68
Discovery: 2001-07-16 / LONEOS / Anderson Mesa / 699
"Cyrus Avery (1871–1963) was an American oilman and highway commissioner who helped create U.S. Route 66 while serving on the federal board that developed the United States highway system. He later championed the formation of the U.S. Highway 66 Association to pave and promote the road. His leadership earned him the enduring title “Father of Route 66”." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (30559) Cyrusavery = 2001 OG68
(31103) Elenagarcía = 1997 OE2
Discovery: 1997-07-29 / À. López, R. Pacheco / Costitx / 620
"Elena García Armada (b. 1971) is a Spanish roboticist and CSIC researcher. She developed the world's first adaptable pediatric exoskeleton, transforming the lives of children with neurological conditions by enabling them to walk." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (31103) Elenagarcía = 1997 OE2
(37154) Chuckfeeney = 2000 VZ58
Discovery: 2000-11-08 / W. K. Y. Yeung / Arizona City / 919
"Chuck Feeney (1931–2023) was an Irish-American businessman and philanthropist. Believing that “a shroud has no pockets,” he quietly gave away nearly all his fortune ($8 billion) during his lifetime, lived simply, avoided fame, and embodied “Giving While Living”." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 14]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (37154) Chuckfeeney = 2000 VZ58
(41058) Lynxpardinus = 1999 VC24
Discovery: 1999-11-08 / R. Pacheco, À. López / Costitx / 620
"Lynx pardinus, commonly known as the Iberian lynx, is a wild cat species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Once the world's most endangered feline, it has become a global symbol of successful wildlife conservation following intensive recovery efforts." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (41058) Lynxpardinus = 1999 VC24
Discovery: 2000-03-03 / CSS / Mount Bigelow / 703
"David Teske (b. 1965) is an American amateur astronomer and Coordinator of the Lunar Topographic Studies Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. As editor of The Lunar Observer, he has contributed to the documentation and study of lunar-surface features through sustained observational work." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (45638) Teske = 2000 EK20
Discovery: 2000-03-03 / CSS / Mount Bigelow / 703
"Jim Tomney (b. 1955) is an American amateur astronomer who has made significant contributions to the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers modernizing its digital presence, curating the extensive image galleries, and preserving over 36000 observations from the observers. He led the redesign and launch of the ALPO website in 2023." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (45639) Tomney = 2000 EP20
Discovery: 1992-11-17 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"“Akabeko” (“red cow”) is the name of a traditional folk toy from the Aizu region of Japan. In a legend, when an infectious disease was rampant, a red-haired cow appeared, absorbed the disease into its body, and saved the people. The name also originates from the cow’s role in transporting materials for the construction of local temples and shrines." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (46590) Akabeko = 1992 WP1
(46634) Minamiaizumachi = 1994 VR2
Discovery: 1994-11-01 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Minamiaizu Town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is working to create an environment where residents can enjoy the starry sky, as it has minimal light pollution. At 23:08 JST on 2025 Dec. 26 a large fireball streaked across the sky, prompting many meteorite searches." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (46634) Minamiaizumachi = 1994 VR2
Discovery: 1989-10-29 / A. Takahashi, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Toshikazu Onishi (b. 1968) is a Japanese astronomer who is a professor of radio astronomy at Osaka Metropolitan University. Using the NANTEN/NANTEN2 radio telescopes, and ALMA, he has studied the structure and evolution of molecular clouds and the star-formation process in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (48433) Onishi = 1989 US1
Discovery: 1990-11-21 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Kazuki Tokuda (b. 1989) is a Japanese astronomer who is a lecturer in radio astronomy at Kagawa University. He observes the Magellanic Clouds and nearby protostars using the ALMA telescope. Kazuki currently serves as the president of the Astronomical Society of Shikoku in Japan." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 15]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (48448) Tokuda = 1990 WR2
Discovery: 1996-08-08 / M. Tichý * / Kleť / 046
"Pikador is a well-known local term from České Budějovice that has been used for over fifty years to describe a specific kind of hot dog. A bread roll with its end cut off has an elongated hollow within which a cooked sausage is placed inside. It is typically flavored with mustard. Pikadors are mainly sold at street stands, much like a form of fast food." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (52524) Pikador = 1996 PH
(66198) Micheltallon = 1999 BH11
Discovery: 1999-01-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Michel Tallon (b. 1962) is a French researcher at the Centre de recherche astrophysique de Lyon, specializing in optical interferometry. He works on upstream developments of observational methods and associated innovative signal processing, e.g., for wavefront reconstruction or for adaptive-optics control using an inverse problem approach." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (66198) Micheltallon = 1999 BH11
Discovery: 1999-01-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"The Gibis were characters in the French animated television series Les Shadoks. Like the Shadoks, they were intelligent, but vulnerable. They also lived on a two-dimensional planet and had their brains in their hats. Their planet was unstable, so like the Shadoks they decided to build a rocket to go to Earth." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (66200) Gibis = 1999 BT13
Discovery: 1998-03-26 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Chantal Balkowski (b. 1947) is a French astronomer and former vice president of Paris Observatory. Her interest focused mainly on galaxies in clusters, their dynamics and their distribution in the universe. Chantal also contributed to teaching astronomy to the public." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (69596) Balkowski = 1998 FT14
(69756) Hélènecourtois = 1998 OY3
Discovery: 1998-07-24 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Hélène Courtois (b. 1970) is a French astrophysicist and university professor in Lyon. She pioneered a new era of cosmography by mapping large-scale gravitational flows. She co-discovered the Laniakea supercluster and several other major nearby superclusters including the hidden Vela supercluster." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (69756) Hélènecourtois = 1998 OY3
(69839) Denishuber = 1998 SJ10
Discovery: 1998-09-18 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Denis Huber (b. 1975) is a French geotechnical engineer specializing in soil and rock mechanics. He contributes to technical guidelines on environmental asbestos and hard-to-access work sites, enhancing safety and improving risk-assessment methods in complex geological contexts. Denis is also an amateur astronomer." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 16]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (69839) Denishuber = 1998 SJ10
(69848) Thomaspetit = 1998 SQ35
Discovery: 1998-09-22 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Thomas Petit (b. 1981) is a French amateur astronomer living in Czechia. He is a founding member of APO_Team, which remotely operates a telescope in the Atacama desert in Chile, and also 2SPOT, an amateur association specializing in spectroscopy. Thomas is the webmaster of a website which offers useful and practical information about planetary nebulae." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (69848) Thomaspetit = 1998 SQ35
(69949) Thierrydemange = 1998 VN4
Discovery: 1998-11-11 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Thierry Demange (b. 1970) has been a French amateur astrophotographer since the age of 17. He is a hydrologist, specializing in pure-water processing. Thierry is a founding member of APO_Team, which operates a telescope in the Atacama desert in Chile. This program has discovered dozens of new planetary nebulae." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (69949) Thierrydemange = 1998 VN4
(73933) Philippeamram = 1997 RW1
Discovery: 1997-09-03 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Philippe Amram (b. 1962) is a French astronomer and professor at Aix-Marseille University. His research has primarily focused on galaxies, particularly their kinematics, dynamics, and the distribution of ordinary and dark matter." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (73933) Philippeamram = 1997 RW1
(120097) Janniksinner = 2003 EG50
Discovery: 2003-03-10 / CINEOS / Campo Imperatore / 599
"Jannik Sinner (b. 2001) is an Italian tennis player who is one of the world's top tennis players. He has won the Australian Open twice, Wimbledon, and the US Open, and twice been a member of the winning team for the Davis Cup." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (120097) Janniksinner = 2003 EG50
Discovery: 1999-01-13 / Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program / Xinglong County / 327
"Inner Mongolia University (IMU，abbreviated as Neida) was founded in 1957. It is a national key university and is included in China’s “211 Project” and “Double First-class Initiative”, which have been launched by the Chinese government to support selected universities. IMU established its Institute of Astronomy and Physics in 2025." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (121014) Neida = 1999 AJ22
(149195) Lucianaziino = 2002 PH
Discovery: 2002-08-01 / CINEOS / Campo Imperatore / 599
"Luciana Ziino (b. 1989) is an Italian astrophysicist. She provides an important contribution in communicating astronomy and science at the GAL Hassin International Center for Astronomical Sciences in Isnello, Sicily." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (149195) Lucianaziino = 2002 PH
(187805) Edoardoedo = 1999 RR32
Discovery: 1999-09-08 / Osservatorio San Vittore / Bologna / 552
"Edoardo Edo Colombini (b. 2026) is the third child of Elena and Alberto and the fifth grandson of Ermes Colombini, one of the co-discoverers of this minor planet at Osservatorio San Vittore." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 17]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (187805) Edoardoedo = 1999 RR32
(197449) Sarahwinfrey = 2003 YK111
Discovery: 2003-12-22 / V. Reddy / Tucson / 683
"Sarah Winfrey (b. 1973) is an American science advocate who advanced cislunar space situational awareness to keep spacecraft and humans at the Moon safe. A retired military officer, she united government, academic, and industry partners to solve complex space safety challenges and ensure space sustainability for future generations." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (197449) Sarahwinfrey = 2003 YK111
Discovery: 2007-09-01 / L. Kiss, K. Sárneczky * / Siding Spring / 413
"Orsolya Karafiáth (b. 1976) is a Hungarian writer, poet, translator, and journalist. As a journalist, her articles and anthologies have appeared in numerous print and online publications. Orsolya has received several awards and to date has published a total of eleven books." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (233583) Karafiáth = 2007 RR
(251638) Kianamcfadden = 2010 KD83
Discovery: 2010-05-26 / WISE / WISE / C51
"Kiana McFadden (b. 1995) is an American planetary scientist who works on understanding the physical and dynamical properties of asteroids using data from multiple observatories, including the WISE/NEOWISE mission." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (251638) Kianamcfadden = 2010 KD83
(329200) Billhicks = 2012 DS47
Discovery: 2006-12-27 / Mount Lemmon Survey / Mount Lemmon / G96
"William Melvin Hicks (1961–1994) was an American stand-up comedian and satirist. His material, often controversial, covered a wide range of subjects including religion, politics, and philosophy. Hicks' dark and satirical humor supported his antiauthoritianism viewpoint." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (329200) Billhicks = 2012 DS47
(346471) Sleeperhennig = 2008 TA160
Discovery: 2008-10-01 / R. Holmes * / Charleston / H55
"Melissa Sleeper (b. 1957) is an American elementary teacher and Lee Ann Hennig (b. 1946) is an American high-school astronomy teacher. Both women have inspired and encouraged many students to become scientists. Name suggested by Thomas Jefferson High School students from Fairfax County, Virginia, who participated in the IASC." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (346471) Sleeperhennig = 2008 TA160
(361707) Pharmauni = 2007 VU251
Discovery: 2007-11-10 / PMO NEO Survey Program / Paoma Mountain / D29
"Pharmauni (China Pharmaceutical University) is the first state-established higher education institution dedicated to pharmaceutical sciences in China. The university has cultivated over 300000 highly skilled pharmaceutical professionals, produced 10 academicians, and pioneered the development of more than 10 innovative drugs." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (361707) Pharmauni = 2007 VU251
(368116) Half-Moon = 2013 GU92
Discovery: 2000-04-04 / L. H. Wasserman / Anderson Mesa / 688
"Cody Elizabeth Half-Moon (b. 1989) is a Texan known for building campaigns that advance science literacy and advocacy. Her work spans science, cultural institutions, and nonprofits, bringing science into popular culture and public life." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 18]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (368116) Half-Moon = 2013 GU92
(392440) Klimavičius = 2010 RH120
Discovery: 2010-09-08 / K. Černis, J. Zdanavičius / Molėtai / 152
"Jonas Klimavičius (1923–2018) was a Lithuanian amateur astronomer and the uncle of the first discoverer. He had an extensive library and a small observatory with 40×75-mm binoculars. By showing the night sky through his telescope and providing books on astronomy, he was the first to inspire an interest in observing the starry sky in the first discoverer." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (392440) Klimavičius = 2010 RH120
Discovery: 2008-08-31 / K. Černis, E. Černis * / Molėtai / 152
"The Šventoji is the longest river that flows entirely within Lithuania and the largest tributary of the Neris. It originates from Lake Samanis in the Gražutė Regional Park and flows through Anykščiai, Kavarskas and Ukmergė into the Neris near the town of Jonava. The river is 248 km long." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (431803) Šventoji = 2008 QL40
(603562) Vadimsouley = 2015 FR21
Discovery: 2009-12-15 / B. Christophe / Saint-Sulpice / 947
"Vadim Souleyman Christophe (b. 2011) is a grandson of the discoverer." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (603562) Vadimsouley = 2015 FR21
(648211) Kamilhairullin = 2009 RL38
Discovery: 2009-08-30 / T. V. Kryachko, B. Satovski / Zelenchukskaya / 114
"Kamil Hairullin (b. 1946) is a Russian philosopher, poet and writer. A former lecturer and head of the philosophy department at Kazan Pedagogical University, he published more than 80 scientific works and is the author of numerous books on philosophy and poetry, including collections of his own verses." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (648211) Kamilhairullin = 2009 RL38
(649981) Fainarubleva = 2011 UW308
Discovery: 2011-10-28 / T. V. Kryachko, B. Satovski / Zelenchukskaya / 114
"Faina Rubleva (b. 1951) is a Russian educator, astronomy popularizer, and scientific director of the Moscow Planetarium. Over 47 years in service there, she held many roles, including curator during its closure. Under her leadership, two science museums and an astronomy park were created, along with numerous films and educational programs." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (649981) Fainarubleva = 2011 UW308
(688117) Omizzolo = 2012 HZ109
Discovery: 2012-04-21 / K. Černis, R. P. Boyle / Mount Graham / 290
"Fr. Alessandro Omizzolo (b. 1957) is an Italian diocesan priest and astronomer, and member of the Vatican Observatory. His research includes quasars, galaxy clusters and jellyfish galaxies. He digitized the historic photographic plate collection of the Vatican Observatory." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (688117) Omizzolo = 2012 HZ109
(726023) Berényróbert = 2009 RB1
Discovery: 2009-09-10 / K. Sárneczky / Piszkés-tető / 461
"Róbert Berény (1887–1953) was a painter, graphic artist and prominent representative of the Hungarian avant-garde movement. His first works are close to fauvism; later they show inspirations of cubism and expressionism as well. In addition to painting and poster design, Berény's graphic work is also significant." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 19]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (726023) Berényróbert = 2009 RB1
(731678) Philippschäfer = 2013 PN25
Discovery: 2013-08-10 / J. M. Bosch / Santa Maria de Montmagastrell / B74
"Philipp Schäfer (b. 1981), German philanthropist, is vice president of Achern Miteinander, a nonprofit German organization that focuses on social integration and community support. He also leads initiatives at the Rotary Club Achern-Bühl." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (731678) Philippschäfer = 2013 PN25
Discovery: 2016-08-31 / D. Rankin / Big Water / V03
"Joseph Alexander Rankin (b. 1990) is the brother of the discoverer. He works in information technology." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (771739) Joseph = 2016 QS82
(771914) Dawsoncharles = 2016 YD36
Discovery: 2016-12-29 / D. Rankin / Big Water / V03
"Dawson Charles Rankin (b. 2009) is the son of the discoverer." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (771914) Dawsoncharles = 2016 YD36
Discovery: 2014-11-01 / EURONEAR / Roque de los Muchachos / 950
"Andrei Juravle (b. 1983) is a Romanian amateur astronomer from Timișoara, founder of both the Altair astroclub and the Societatea Română de Astronomie Culturală. He has been very active in public outreach, organizing lectures, classes, conferences, pupil camps, stargazing and mass-media events, being also interested in astrophotography and occultations." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (811477) Juravle = 2023 HY14
(813688) Fongfeifei = 2007 RL138
Discovery: 2007-09-14 / LUSS / Mount Lulin / D35
"Fong Fei-fei (1953–2012), known as the “Queen of Hats” and the “Angel of Laborers,” was an iconic Taiwanese singer. For her immense contributions to Taiwanese popular music, she was posthumously honored with the Special Contribution Award at both the 24th Golden Melody Awards and the 48th Golden Bell Awards." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (813688) Fongfeifei = 2007 RL138
(861969) Elliottsmith = 2014 OS439
Discovery: 2014-07-31 / Pan-STARRS 1 / Haleakala / F51
"Steven Paul “Elliott” Smith (1969–2003) was an influential, Oscar-nominated American songwriter. His intricate music left a lasting impact on many musicians. Asteroid 861969 honors his birth date, August 6, 1969. Smith often used celestial motifs in his work, notably in the song “Shooting Star”, which, in hindsight, symbolizes his brief but brilliant light." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #9, 20]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (861969) Elliottsmith = 2014 OS439
The raw data for this web page is from the IAU Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN); coding and formatting of this page was done with the aid of ChatGPT under the guidance and supervision of the webmaster.