Asteroids named after Tom Lehrer and 'Weird Al' Yankovic
5 hours ago
- The International Astronomical Union approved naming asteroid (14331) Alyankovic after 'Weird Al' Yankovic, championed by planetary scientist Allison McGraw and other scientists.
- An asteroid was also named after Tom Lehrer, a musical humorist and mathematician who wrote science-themed songs and died at age 97.
- McGraw hopes these naming will promote interest in asteroid research and science communication.
- Lehrer released all his lyrics into the public domain six years ago, and he retired early to teach mathematics.
- Weird Al's geek-friendly career includes songs like 'White and Nerdy', 'It's All About the Pentiums', and a five-minute summation of 'Star Wars: Phantom Menace'.
- Yankovic started his career in 1979 by recording a parody song in a bathroom for acoustics.