Asteroids Named After Tom Lehrer and 'Weird Al' Yankovic
"Weird Al" Yankovic's name has just been approved for a new asteroid — (14331) Alyankovic = 1981 EC26 — by the International Astronomical Union, reports Space.com. Yankovic's asteroid was championed by planetary scientist Allison McGraw joined by "several heavy hitters in the planetary science field, according to the Tucson Star. (Astrophysicist Steve Desch from the School of Earth and Space…
The International Astronomical Union has named a new asteroid after musician Weird Al Yankovic and his influence, Tom Lehrer. The asteroid, designated (14331) Alyankovic, was championed by planetary scientist Allison McGraw alongside notable figures in the field, including Steve Desch, Tim McCoy, and Melissa Brucker. McGraw explained that naming space rocks after stars like Lehrer and Yankovic serves to highlight their passion for both asteroid research and science communication.
Lehrer, who died at the age of 97, left behind a legacy of scientific enthusiasm, evident in his song "The Elements," which recites the entire periodic table to the tune of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Major-General's Song." Yankovic, known for his geek-friendly career, has released various humorous parodies, including "It's All About the Pentiums" and "White and Nerdy."
The IAU recognized the impact of Yankovic's work, stating that his comedic musical works have inspired generations of scientists.
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