Erik Ian Asphaug
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Erik Ian Asphaug is a planetary science professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Asphaug received his bachelor's degree in mathematics and English from Rice University and his PhD in planetary science from the University of Arizona.
The 1998 recipient of the H. C. Urey Prize from the American Astronomical Society, Asphaug is at the forefront of scientists studying the "rubble pile" composition of most asteroids and the implications of such composition on efforts to divert asteroids from striking the Earth. Asphaug has also worked with Urey Prize winner Robin M. Canup to develop new theories on how the Moon was formed.
Asteroid 7939 Asphaug was named in his honor.