7307 Takei

Takei
Discovery and designation
Discovered by Y. Shimizu, T. Urata
Discovery site Nachi-Katsuura Observatory
Designations
MPC designation 7307
1994 GT9
1991 RQ20
1985 JW
1985 GJ1
1978 VJ16
Orbital characteristics
Epoch August 18, 2005 (JDCT 2453600.5)
Aphelion 2.9702615 AU
Perihelion 2.5117383 AU
2.7409999 AU
Eccentricity 0.0836416
35.03162°
Inclination 6.9892°
Physical characteristics
12.4

    7307 Takei (1994 GT9) is a Main-belt asteroid orbiting the Sun. Discovered 1994 Apr. 13 by Y. Shimizu and T. Urata at Nachi-Katsuura Observatory. It was named in honor of George Takei.

    Naming of asteroid

    Named in honor of George Takei, with the following citation:

    "George Takei (b. 1937) is an actor best known for his role as Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek television series. He also has a lengthy record of public service through his involvement with organizations such as the Japanese American Citizens League and the Human Rights Campaign. The name was suggested by T. H. Burbine."[1]

    Upon learning of the decision to name the asteroid after him, he said, "I am now a heavenly body. ... I found out about it yesterday. ... I was blown away. It came out of the clear, blue sky—just like an asteroid."[2]

    References

    1. ↑ NASA reference: http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=7307
    2. ↑ | Mr. Sulu makes a name for himself in space|Philadelphia Daily News|10/03/2007

    External links