Dictionary of minor planet names

Abstract

Minor planet astronomy began on 1 January 1801 when the first minor planet was discovered. During the subsequent almost 200 years, approximately 5000 minor planets have been numbered, once their orbits have been accurately computed. The privilege of naming minor planets traditionally belongs to the discoverers. In addition to being of practical value for identification pruposes, minor planet names also provide a most interesting historical insight into the work of astronomers. Until recently, minor planet name citations were scattered in the astronomical literature and the origin of many names remained obscure. IAU Commission 20 in 1988 established a Study Group in order to elucidate the meanings of asteroid names. Under the chairmanship of the author, some 20 scientists took part in the preparation of a names data base. The dictionary comprises the list of all 5000 minor planets, together with information on the discovery circumstances an the corresponding citations. Extensive indexes and cross references facilitate the use. The book will be of interest not only to astronomers who are connected with minor planet work, but also to scientists in other areas of this science, as well as historians and amateur astronomers.