Dictionary of Minor Planet Names

Beschreibung

Until recently, minor planet name citations were scattered in the astronomical literature, and the origin of many names remained obscure. In 1988 the IAU Commission 20 established a study group to elucidate the meanings of asteroid names. The author, himself a member of the said commission, continued collecting and indexing all new relevant data.
This book has become a standard reference for the names, and tneir meanings, of all named minor planets. It informs about the dicoverers as well as the circumstances of the discovery of all 10.666 minor planets numbered up to June 1999. In addition to being of practical value for identification purposes, the collection provides a most interesting historical insight into the work of those astronomers who over two centuries vested their affinities in a rich and colourful variety of ingenious names, from heavenly goddesses to more prosaic constructions.
This fourth, revised and enlarged edition comprises about 50% more information than the third edition published in 1997. The data are also stored on a CD-ROM attached to the book.
An update containing also the newly discovered planets on SPringers internet server will be accessible through the CD-ROM only.
Until recently, minor planet name citations were scattered in the astronomical literature, and the origin of many names remained obscure. The IAU Commission 20 established a study group in 1988 to elucidate the meanings of asteroid names, and the author has continued collecting and indexing all new relevant data. In addition to being of practical value for identification purposes, the collection provides a most interesting historical insight into the work of those astronomers who over two centuries put so much effort into the rich and colourful variety of ingenious names, from heavenly goddesses to more prosaic constructions. This fourth, revised and enlarged edition is supplemented by a CD-ROM.
This is the only complete catalogue of minor planets
Its compilation has been supported by the IAU
It has no competition and is useful for amateurs as well

Autor*in

Lutz D. Schmadel

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