Institute for Astronomy<\/p>\n
Naming asteroids is serious business. In the latest batch of officially named asteroids, five have been given names honoring astronomers at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA).<\/p>\n
The International Astronomical Union Committee for Small Body Nomenclature is responsible for designating and naming minor planets. If an object has been observed for at least two nights and is proven to be a newly-identified object, it is assigned an initial provisional designation. If enough observations are obtained to calculate an orbit, the object is assigned a sequential numerical designation. The asteroids discoverer can then propose a formal name.<\/p>\n
Newly designated asteroids<\/p>\n
These five new designations join a cornucopia of at least 40 asteroids named after current and former IfA astronomers, students, staff and other individuals.<\/p>\n
For a full list, please go to the IfA website.<\/p>\n
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More here:<\/p>\n
Asteroids named after UH astronomers | University of Hawaii System News - UH System Current News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Institute for Astronomy Naming asteroids is serious business. In the latest batch of officially named asteroids, five have been given names honoring astronomers at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA). Continue reading