On 2026 May 25 the IAU Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) published a list of new, officially named minor planets (asteroids).
(8851) Okudamasataka = 1990 XB
Discovery: 1990-12-08 / Y. Mizuno, T. Furuta / Kani / 403
"Masataka Okuda (b. 1952) is a Japanese amateur astronomer living in Yao City, Osaka. He conducts remote observations of comets, peculiar asteroids, and other celestial objects from his home using the telescope at the Muroo Observatory, Uda City." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 8]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (8851) Okudamasataka = 1990 XB
Discovery: 1995-09-22 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Kyle Uckert (b. 1988) is an American researcher at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Deputy Principal Investigator for the Perseverance rover's SHERLOC spectrometer. In addition to his contributions to astrobiology, he played a critical role in diagnosing and reviving the SHERLOC instrument on Mars in 2024 ensuring the continuation of its scientific mission." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 8]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20113) Uckert = 1995 SL35
Discovery: 1995-10-26 / M. Hirasawa, S. Suzuki / Mount Nyukasa / 408
"Sanjyu Hikage (b. 1990) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and artist. She is interested in space and in Earth science, and is particularly fascinated by Paleozoic organisms." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 8]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (20114) Hikage = 1995 UQ44
Discovery: 1995-06-29 / Spacewatch / Kitt Peak / 691
"Austra Skujytė (b. 1979) is a retired Lithuanian athlete, competing in both the heptathlon and the decathlon. She won the silver medal in 2004 Summer Olympic in Athens and bronze medal in 2012 Summer Olympic in London competing in heptathlon." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 8]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (22404) Skujytė = 1995 ME4
(25296) Minamisatsuma = 1998 WD20
Discovery: 1998-11-26 / F. Uto / Kashihara / 365
"Minamisatsuma City in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is located at the south-western tip of Kyushu and faces the East China Sea. Flourishing as a center of trade since ancient times, this city of approximately 30000 inhabitants has cultivated a unique culture and history." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 8]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (25296) Minamisatsuma = 1998 WD20
(30402) Esthergoddard = 2000 KN50
Discovery: 2000-05-23 / LONEOS / Anderson Mesa / 699
"Esther Goddard (1901–1982) was a secretary, photographer, and dedicated research partner for her husband, rocket pioneer Robert Goddard. After his death, she tirelessly preserved his legacy by archiving his diaries, securing recognition for his patents, and representing his work at public ceremonies." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (30402) Esthergoddard = 2000 KN50
Discovery: 2000-05-25 / LONEOS / Anderson Mesa / 699
"Charles Slatkin (b. 1952) is an American space enthusiast and the founder of The Wonder Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring future scientists, engineers, and “visioneers.” He leads “The Robert Goddard Project”, which celebrates the centennial of Robert Goddard's first modern rocket launch." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (30413) Slatkin = 2000 KS59
(30541) Delgadillo = 2001 OG20
Discovery: 2001-07-21 / LONEOS / Anderson Mesa / 699
"Angel Delgadillo (b. 1927) is a longtime business owner and founder of the Route 66 Association of Arizona. His advocacy led to Arizona's stretch of Route 66 being designated an Arizona Historic Road, a National Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road, earning him the nickname “Guardian Angel of Route 66”." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (30541) Delgadillo = 2001 OG20
(46608) Yoshinokeiji = 1993 RA2
Discovery: 1993-09-12 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Keiji Yoshino (b. 1961) is a Japanese amateur astronomer and an active popularizer of astronomy. He has been a volunteer at the rooftop observatory at Oita City Compal Hall for many years. In recent years, Keiji has been photographing Messier, NGC and IC objects." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (46608) Yoshinokeiji = 1993 RA2
Discovery: 1993-09-16 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Takahiro Fukuzumi (b. 1963) is a Japanese researcher at the Minamiaso Luna Observatory in Kumamoto Prefecture. He regularly guides visitors through the starry sky using a 0.82-m telescope. Takahiro has also been researching Japanese folklore astronomy for many years, main research areas are the Yaeyama region of Okinawa and southern Hokkaido." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (46609) Fukuzumi = 1993 SQ1
(46631) Hosoikatsumasa = 1994 TQ3
Discovery: 1994-10-05 / K. Endate, K. Watanabe / Kitami / 400
"Katsumasa Hosoi (b. 1964) is a Japanese amateur astronomer residing in Fukushima Prefecture who conducts observes asteroid occultations of stars. In response to a request for cooperation from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, he observed the TNO (612533) and contributed to research indicating the presence of a thin atmosphere." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 9]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (46631) Hosoikatsumasa = 1994 TQ3
(58571) Barbaraserf = 1997 RB5
Discovery: 1997-09-08 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
"Barbara (1930–1997) was an iconic French singer-songwriter, renowned for her deep voice and poetic lyrics. Born as Monique Serf in Paris, she began her career in the 1950s. Her songs, such as “L'Aigle Noir” and “Nantes”, delved into themes of love and personal sorrow. Barbara is remembered as a legendary figure in French music." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (58571) Barbaraserf = 1997 RB5
(78948) Pietrasanta = 2003 SM192
Discovery: 2003-09-20 / CINEOS / Campo Imperatore / 599
"Pietrasanta is an Italian town of Roman origin in Tuscany in the foothills of the Apuan Alps. It grew to importance during the 15th century, mainly due to its connection with marble. Michelangelo was the first sculptor to recognize the beauty of the local stone. The town is still home to over 50 marble workshops and bronze foundries." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (78948) Pietrasanta = 2003 SM192
(85819) Massimoamato = 1998 XF9
Discovery: 1998-12-12 / M. Tombelli, A. Boattini / Pian dei Termini / 104
"Massimo Amato (b. 1973) is an Italian amateur astronomer who has been a member of the Gruppo Astrofili Montelupo since 2010. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florence in 2000, and currently teaches mathematics and physics in secondary schools." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (85819) Massimoamato = 1998 XF9
(137315) Wangshouwu = 1999 TB20
Discovery: 1999-10-15 / Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program / Xinglong County / 327
"Wang Shouwu (1919–2014) was a Chinese physicist working on semiconductor devices. An Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he was one of the founders of semiconductor science in China and made significant contributions to the research and development of semiconductor materials and devices in China." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (137315) Wangshouwu = 1999 TB20
(155997) Robertaciani = 2001 RP16
Discovery: 2001-09-12 / M. Tombelli, A. Boattini * / Pian dei Termini / 104
"Roberta Ciani (b. 1971) is an Italian amateur astronomer who has been a member of the Gruppo Astrofili Montelupo since 2019. She is a writer of astronomy-themed poems and a theater actress. Roberta is passionate about constellations and mythology." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (155997) Robertaciani = 2001 RP16
Discovery: 2006-10-13 / C. Rinner * / Dax / 958
"Jacques Louges (1931–2025) was a French sailor, business leader, and co-founder of the Dax observatory (MPC code 958). He was able, through his kindness, to bring his friends together for the construction of the first telescope and its dome in 1979." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 10]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (214719) Louges = 2006 TY9
Discovery: 2005-11-29 / CSS / Mount Bigelow / 703
"Charles Addams (1912–1988) was an American cartoonist who created the characters for the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family. His darkly humorous creations became a part of popular culture. This minor planet is the principal body and namesake of a small asteroid family, identified by Nesvorný and colleagues in 2024." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (217472) Addams = 2005 WV105
(242235) Marieskálová = 2003 SM129
Discovery: 2003-09-20 / KLENOT * / Kleť / 246
"Marie Skálová (1924–1996) was a Czech teacher and writer. Her book The Guilt of the Innocents recalls her childhood and adolescence in Mezipotočí, a small village near Kleť mountain from 1928 and 1945. She described not only ordinary life but how World War II affected relations between her family and their German neighbors." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (242235) Marieskálová = 2003 SM129
Discovery: 2006-08-21 / C. Rinner * / Dax / 958
"André Rott (1930–2026) was a French businessman who actively participated in the founding of the Dax observatory (MPC code 958), allowing construction of the first dome and its 0.25-m telescope." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (291921) Rott = 2006 QL23
(304273) Seancarey = 2006 RT117
Discovery: 2006-09-14 / J. Masiero / Maunakea / 568
"Sean J. Carey (b. 1966) is an American astronomer at Caltech/IPAC specializing in the acquisition, calibration, and interpretation of infrared telescope data. He has served as the Spitzer Science Center Manager, NASA Exoplanet Science Institute Manager, and NEO Surveyor Survey Data System Task Lead. Sean's research ranges from interstellar dust to NEOs." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (304273) Seancarey = 2006 RT117
(325476) Carlomarchioro = 2009 RY
Discovery: 2009-09-10 / ESA Optical Ground Station / Mount Teide / J04
"Carlo Marchioro (1944–2025) was an Italian mathematical physicist who worked on integrable systems, statistical mechanics, fluid dynamics, vortex theory, friction models, and the Vlasov–Poisson equation. Notably, he proved that the 2D Navier–Stokes equation on a torus admits a globally attractive stationary solution for any Reynolds number." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (325476) Carlomarchioro = 2009 RY
(329008) Frankbeaurepaire = 2010 XZ64
Discovery: 2004-06-23 / J. Bedient / Maunakea / 568
"Francis Joseph Edmund Beaurepaire (1891–1956) was an Australian Olympian, businessman, and civic leader. He won silver and bronze medals in swimming at the 1908, 1920, and 1924 Olympics. Francis founded a successful tire business and later served as Lord Mayor of Melbourne. He was instrumental in bringing the 1956 Summer Olympics to Melbourne." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 11]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (329008) Frankbeaurepaire = 2010 XZ64
Discovery: 2005-12-05 / Mount Lemmon Survey / Mount Lemmon / G96
"Sam A. Martella (b. 1983) is an American Logistics Management Analyst who was the Field Recovery Lead for the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission. He is OSIRIS-REx's main point of contact for deep space exploration operations, and logistics, ensuring mission success and compliance to federal regulations regarding transportation and property." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (333605) Martella = 2007 HX81
(379470) Carolynjones = 2010 DQ4
Discovery: 2010-02-16 / Mount Lemmon Survey / Mount Lemmon / G96
"Carolyn Jones (1930–1983) was an American actress who played Morticia in the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family. Her portrayal helped define the character’s macabre charm. This minor planet is a member of the Addams family, a collisional-asteroid family identified by Nesvorný and colleagues in 2024." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (379470) Carolynjones = 2010 DQ4
(482101) Arizonacu = 2010 MB43
Discovery: 2010-03-16 / CSS / Mount Bigelow / 703
"Named to honor Arizona's unique geological abundance of copper. The 48th state is home to many world class porphyry copper deposits, and copper mining has been a cornerstone of Arizona's history and economy since the 19th century." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (482101) Arizonacu = 2010 MB43
(541318) Mirasteilas = 2011 FD61
Discovery: 2011-03-29 / J. De Queiroz / Falera / B67
"Mirasteilas is the Romansh word for “watch the stars” and the name of the observatory (MPC code B67) in Falera, Switzerland, where this minor planet was discovered. The observatory houses a 0.9-m Cassegrain telescope used for both scientific research, and public education through private and group demonstrations." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (541318) Mirasteilas = 2011 FD61
(553076) Maturkanič = 2011 BQ44
Discovery: 2011-01-30 / S. Kürti, K. Sárneczky * / Piszkés-tető / 461
"Michal Maturkanič (b. 1953) is a distinguished figure in the promotion of astronomy in Slovakia. Having spent more than forty years at the Humenné and Hlohovec observatories, his passion served as an inspiration for entire generations of youth, leading many into successful careers as astronomers and astrophotographers." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (553076) Maturkanič = 2011 BQ44
Discovery: 2012-10-25 / M. Langbroek, K. Sárneczky * / Piszkés-tető / 461
"Astrid Eeuwes (b. 1980) is a Dutch amateur astronomer who has specialized in finding micro-meteorites in rooftop and gutter detritus. She gives lectures on micrometeorites and other topics and was the recipient of the 2023 Dr. J. van der Bilt Prize of the Dutch Royal Astronomical and Meteorological Association." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 12]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (585349) Eeuwes = 2018 BS7
(636680) Lisaloring = 2014 WE59
Discovery: 2009-10-27 / Mount Lemmon Survey / Mount Lemmon / G96
"Lisa Loring (1958–2023) was an American actress. She portrayed Wednesday in the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family. Her performance brought to life one of television’s most memorable child characters. This minor planet is a member of the Addams family, a collisional-asteroid family identified by Nesvorný and colleagues in 2024." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (636680) Lisaloring = 2014 WE59
Discovery: 2011-04-01 / J. De Queiroz / Falera / B67
"Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, founded as Bracara Augusta by the Romans in 16 BCE. Long a major religious and cultural center, it remains a hub of history and innovation in the northwestern part of the country." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (729512) Braga = 2011 GN2
Discovery: 2006-08-15 / LUSS / Mount Lulin / D35
"Kinmen National Park, established in 1995, is Taiwan's first national park focused on historic preservation. It features traditional Minnan architecture, and diverse ecological landscapes. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and the endangered Eurasian otter, blending history with nature." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (755922) Kinmen = 2017 UU14
(790358) Jānisstreičs = 2018 RG17
Discovery: 2018-09-10 / K. Černis, I. Eglītis / Baldone / 069
"Jānis Streičs (1936–2026) was one of the most prominent and beloved Latvian film directors. During his creative career, he directed 22 feature films, which became an important part of Latvia’s cinematic heritage. Jānis' works were distinguished by their humanity, subtle humor, and vivid portrayal of Latvian life and culture." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (790358) Jānisstreičs = 2018 RG17
Discovery: 2013-11-06 / M. Kusiak, M. Żołnowski * / Tincana / D03
"Milena (b. 1984) and Kamil Capar (b. 1986) are Polish amateur mineralogists and meteoriticists who are active popularizers of these fields. For over a decade, they have participated in and organized exhibitions and seminars on minerals and meteorites across Europe, presenting and discussing their extraordinary collections." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (818660) Capar = 2013 VP24
Discovery: 2014-06-06 / EURONEAR / Roque de los Muchachos / 950
"Tunç Tezel (b. 1977) is a Turkish civil engineer, eclipse chaser, astrophotographer, and member of the Turkish Astronomy Society. Well-known for pictures of skyscapes and long-term motions of planets including retrograde motions and analemmas, he is also the creator of Tutulemma, an analemma photograph that includes a solar eclipse." [Ref: WGSBN Bull. 6, #8, 13]
The Minor Planet Center -- Orbits/Observations Database: (819712) Tezel = 2014 LL32
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.