Living in an Astronomical Paradise: Astronomers Name Asteroid After Iconic Musical Comedian
The naming honors the musician as researchers say asteroid names can recognize artists and other public figures after a yearslong approval process.
- The International Astronomical Union approved naming asteroid Alyankovic in honor of musician Weird Al Yankovic. Formally listed as 1981 EC26, the object resides in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Astronomer Stephen J. Bus discovered the rock on March 2, 1981, at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The asteroid measures roughly 1 to 1.25 miles in diameter and travels at 42,500 miles per hour.
- Planetary scientist Allison McGraw led the nomination, presenting Yankovic with a commemorative plaque on Sept 20 at the Tucson Arena in Arizona. Several other planetary researchers supported the multi-year initiative.
- Honored alongside artists like Elvis, Freddie Mercury, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and the Beatles, Yankovic joins a growing list of musical figures with asteroid names. The IAU arbitrates these monikers to recognize contributions across arts and society.
- Although the IAU naming process can take years, Yankovic continues his career while traveling for his BIGGER & WEIRDER 2026 Tour. His work is frequently noted for using humor to champion lifelong learning.
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35 Articles
Tom Lehrer and Weird Al Yankovic Honored with Asteroids by IAU
The International Astronomical Union has named two asteroids after musicians Tom Lehrer and "Weird Al" Yankovic, honoring their satirical contributions to culture, scientific outreach, and education through humor and parody. The designations (3835) Lehrer and (4257) Yankovic recognize their unique legacies in blending wit with intellectual precision.
Asteroid Now Named for Weird Al Yankovic
"Weird Al" Yankovic has joined a new club: that of iconic musicians awarded astronomic immortality. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved an asteroid designation honoring the parody finger known for sounds including "Yoda" and "Slime Creatures from Outer Space," Space.com reports. Previously identified as 14331, a mile-wide space...
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