Dictionary of minor planet names - Hardcover

Schmadel, Lutz D

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387543848 ISBN 13: 9780387543840

Publisher: Springer-Verlag, 1992

Synopsis

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 to elucidate the meanings of asteroid names. Under the chairmanship of the author, some 20 scientists took part in the preparation of the names database. In addition to being of practical value for identification purposes, minor planet names also provide a most interesting historical insight into the work of astronomers.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The quantity of numbered minor planets has now well exceeded a quarter million. The new sixth edition of the Dictionary of Minor Planet Names, which is the IAU’s official reference work for the field, now covers more than 17,000 named minor planets. In addition to being of practical value for identification purposes, the Dictionary of Minor Planet Names provides authoritative information on the basis of the rich and colorful variety of ingenious names, from heavenly goddesses to artists, from scientists to Nobel laureates, from historical or political figures to ordinary women and men, from mountains to buildings, as well as a variety of compound terms and curiosities.

This sixth edition of the Dictionary of Minor Planet Names has grown by more than 7,000 entries compared to the fifth edition and by more than 2,000 compared to the fifth edition, including its two addenda published in 2006 and 2009. In addition, there are many  corrections, revisions and updates to the entries published in earlier editions. This work is an abundant source of information for anyone interested in minor planets and who enjoys reading about the people and things minor planets commemorate.

About the Author

Dr. Lutz D. Schmadel, astronomer and computer of orbits and ephemerides of minor planets at Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Heidelberg, has discovered more than 230 minor planets and has done great service to the community by preparing the Dictionary of Minor Planet Names (now in its 6th edition) on behalf of Commision 20 of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). As member of the IAU he is affiliated to several divisions and commisions including Division III Commission 20 (Positions & Motions of Minor Planets, Comets & Satellites), Commission 5 (Documentation & Astronomical Data), Commission 41 (History of Astronomy), as well as the Committee on Small Bodies Nomenclature (CSBN)".

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387543848
• ISBN 13: 9780387543840
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 687