The International Astronomical Union has named an asteroid after the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. The celestial honor was announced by the organization, which assigns names to minor planets and other small bodies in the solar system.
Smith, who died in 2003 at age 34, is best known for his introspective songwriting and acoustic sound. The asteroid now bearing his name orbits in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, according to the naming announcement.
This naming follows a tradition of commemorating cultural figures in space, with numerous artists and musicians having asteroids named after them. The exact dimensions and orbital period of the Smith-designated asteroid were not provided in the announcement.
The gesture ensures a form of lasting memorial for the musician, whose work has continued to influence artists and fans since his death. No details were given about who proposed the name or the specific criteria used for selection.
Some critics argue that asteroid naming can seem arbitrary or favor well-known figures, potentially overshadowing lesser-known contributors to science and culture. However, the practice remains a widely recognized way to honor individuals posthumously.