GoKawiilIAU names asteroids for 'Weird Al' Yankovic and Tom Lehrer
The International Astronomical Union has officially approved asteroid (14331) Alyankovic, honoring musical satirist 'Weird Al' Yankovic, alongside another asteroid named for Tom Lehrer, the mathematician and satirical songwriter who died last year at 97. The naming effort was led by planetary scientist Allison McGraw with support from several scientists including astrophysicist Steve Desch, Smithsonian curator Tim McCoy, and Spacewatch program leader Melissa Brucker.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
McGraw says she hopes linking beloved comedic and satirical songwriters to permanent celestial objects will draw public attention to asteroid research and science communication more broadly. The choice of Lehrer, a mathematician-turned-songwriter, and Yankovic, whose songs reference computing and science, suggests the naming was meant to celebrate figures who blended humor with technical literacy.
- IAU approved asteroid (14331) Alyankovic named for 'Weird Al' Yankovic
- A separate asteroid was named for satirist and mathematician Tom Lehrer, who died in 2024 at 97
- The naming was pushed by planetary scientist Allison McGraw with backing from several notable scientists
Weird Al Yankovic Mandatory Fun CD — Celebrate Weird Al finally getting his own asteroid by revisiting his Grammy-winning album packed with parody classics. It's a fun way to enjoy the humor that inspired scientists to honor him among the stars.
See Weird Al Yankovic Mandatory Fun CD on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: science.slashdot.org — Posted, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “Asteroids Named After Tom Lehrer and 'Weird Al' Yankovic”
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