Newly-discovered Asteroids Named after Jesuits — and a Pope

The naming process for asteroids can take decades, Graney said. After the asteroid’s discovery, it is given a permanent designation number once the object’s orbit is determined well enough that its position can be reliably predicted far into the future.

“At this point, its discoverer is invited to suggest a name for it. Names of pets or names of a commercial nature are not allowed,” Graney continued.

“Names of individuals or events principally known for political or military activities cannot be used until 100 years after the death of the individual or the occurrence of the event,” he said. “Naming rights cannot be purchased. Proposed names are judged by the WGSBN, which is comprised of 15 professional astronomers from around the world with research interests connected with minor planets and comets.”

Graney noted that Catholic priests have in the past and continue to exert an influence on the world of astronomy. Jesuit Father Giovanni Battista Riccioli (1598–1671), for example, developed the system of lunar nomenclature that is still used today. When the Apollo 11 mission landed in the lunar “Sea of Tranquility” in 1969, the name “Tranquility” came from Riccioli, Graney said.

More than 30 asteroids now bear the names of Jesuits, Graney said. Asteroids Johannhagen, Stoeger, and Janusz join several others already named for Vatican Observatory astronomers, including 302849 Richardboyle, 119248 Corbally, 14429 Coyne, 4597 Consolmagno, 23443 Kikwaya, and 11266 Macke.

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With roots dating to 1582, the Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest active astronomical observatories in the world. Its headquarters are in Castel Gandolfo, a town just outside Rome and the location of the summer residence of the popes. Pope Leo XIII formally refounded the present observatory in 1891. The Vatican Observatory also operates the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, located in rural Arizona about 200 miles southeast of Phoenix.

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and assistant podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and in the past has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer.