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Asteroid Will Hereafter Be Known as 'Alyankovic'
Newser • • science
Key Points:
- The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially named asteroid 14331, a mile-wide space rock in the main asteroid belt, "Alyankovic" in honor of parody singer "Weird Al" Yankovic.
- The designation was championed by planetary scientist Allison McGraw, who was inspired by Yankovic's science-related songs and surprised him with a commemorative plaque backstage at a Tucson show.
- McGraw, who also has an asteroid named after her, helped secure a similar honor for musical humorist Tom Lehrer, a key influence on Yankovic.
- "Alyankovic" joins a group of asteroids named after iconic musicians, including Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and members of The Beatles.
- Yankovic’s work often features space themes, with songs like "The Saga Begins" and "Attack of the Radioactive Hamsters from a Planet Near Mars," reflecting his long-standing interest in astronomy.
