Dictionary of Minor Planet Names

ISBN-10: 3540572600
ISBN-13: 9783540572602
Series: Dictionary of Minor Planet Names
Pages: 741
Language: English
Published: 1993
Publisher: Springer
Author: Lutz D. Schmadel

Description

Until recently, minor planet name citations were scatteredin the astronomical literature, and the origin of many namesremained obscure. IAU Commission 20 in 1988 established astudy group to elucidate the meanings ofasteroid names.Under the chairmanship of the author, some 20 scientiststook part in the preparation of the names database.In addition to being of practical value for identificationpurposes, minor planet names also provide a most interestinghistorical insight into the work of astronomers.