Rock Legend Elliott Smith Gets Celestial Tribute: Asteroid Named After Him!
Rock Legend Elliott Smith Gets Celestial Tribute: Asteroid Named After Him!
Indie rock maestro Elliott Smith, who tragically passed in 2003, receives a stunning celestial tribute! An asteroid has officially been named after him, thanks to a filmmaker's heartfelt campaign. Discover the story behi
Indie rock icon Elliott Smith, whose poignant music captivated a generation, has received a unique and lasting tribute: an asteroid now officially bears his name. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved the designation "(861969) Elliottsmith" for a minor planet, ensuring the influential artist's legacy is etched permanently in the cosmos.
This celestial honor was championed by Edinburgh-based independent filmmaker Orlando Campopiano. The idea sparked one night when Campopiano was gazing at the stars while listening to Smith’s song “Shooting Star,” from his posthumous album 'From a Basement on the Hill'. The serendipitous moment, especially with the song's line "You'll love me sad, shooting star," inspired him to pursue this extraordinary tribute.
Following this inspiration, Campopiano reached out to Smith’s estate for their blessing before submitting a formal proposal to the IAU. The Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature (WGSBN) subsequently approved the naming, recognizing Smith's significant contribution as an "American musician and songwriter." The numerical designation '861969' isn't just a random sequence; it's a direct nod to Smith's birthdate, August 6, 1969.
Elliott Smith tragically passed away in 2003 at the age of 34. This new designation provides a permanent legacy. Campopiano expressed his hopes, stating, "I hope this introduces at least one new person to Elliott’s brilliant discography, and I’m happy to see a permanent legacy in the stars." He also added, "To have this tribute to him blessed by the estate and discoverers is also a great honour."
Fans and curious minds can locate the newly named asteroid using NASA’s 3D Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s interactive Small-Body Database. Smith joins an exclusive club of musical legends who have celestial bodies named in their honor, a list that includes icons like Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury, all members of The Beatles, Enya, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, and Frank Zappa.
