An asteroid has been named after Elliott Smith
The late musician was already a star, but now he’s officially recognized as one by the International Astronomical Unit.
Elliott Smith was already a star, but now he’s officially recognized as one by the International Astronomical Unit. It was Edinburg-based filmmaker Orlando Campopiano’s idea to name an asteroid after Smith. Campopiano says that Smith’s song “Shooting Star” inspired his decision to name a celestial body after the late, great singer-songwriter.
Here is what Campopiano had to say about the proess:
“With the full backing and approval of the Elliott Smith Estate and the PAN-STARRS discovery team, I recently spearheaded a formal proposal to the International Astronomical Union to have a minor planet permanently named in his honor. We just received official approval, and the designation is now live: Asteroid (861969) 2014 OS439 is officially “Elliottsmith.” Something very interesting about this is that, the catalogue number for the asteroid is 861969, directly mirroring his birth date of 8/6/1969!”
Campopiano also said that he “hopes this introduces at least one new person to Elliott Smith’s brilliant discography,” and we couldn’t agree more. You can view ELLIOTSMITH and its surrounding asteroid belt here—and maybe even in the night sky above you.
Listen to Elliott Smith perform “Say Yes” at Tramps in 1998 below.
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