Over the past 50 years, musician “Weird Al” Yankovic has achieved remarkable milestones, including being the first artist to have a comedy album debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and winning five Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Recently, he was honored with an asteroid named after him: asteroid (14331) Alyankovic.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially approved the asteroid’s name, which was announced in the WGSBN Bulletin and by the Minor Planet Center. Located in the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter, this asteroid was discovered by Stephen J. Bus in 1981 and has an estimated diameter of 1 to 1.25 miles.
Asteroids are often named after individuals who have made significant contributions to science or have inspired curiosity and creativity. Weird Al’s influence is recognized not just in music; his humorous approach has sparked interest in science and technology among many, including scientists and educators.
Dr. Allison McGraw from the Lunar and Planetary Institute highlighted that Yankovic’s music has encouraged learning in an enjoyable way. He expressed joy in receiving this honor, humorously hoping it wouldn’t be the asteroid that destroys Earth.
Currently, Weird Al is on tour until October 17.
