An asteroid has been officially named after the late, great Elliott Smith. Orlando Campopiano, an independent filmmaker based in Edinburgh, got the idea while listening to "Shooting Star" off Smith's posthumous album From A Basement On The Hill. He worked with Smith's estate to submit a proposal to the International Astronomical Union, and the governing body opted to say yes. Now there's a big rock out there in the sky bearing Smith's name. Check out a 3D viewing link here and an official bulletin announcement here.
Here's how Campopiano explains the process in a statement to Stereogum:
With the full backing and approval of the Elliott Smith Estate and the PAN-STARRS discovery team, I recently spearheaded a formal proposal to the International Astronomical Union to have a minor planet permanently named in his honor.
We just received official approval, and the designation is now live: Asteroid (861969) 2014 OS439 is officially "Elliottsmith".
Something very interesting about this is that, the catalogue number for the asteroid is 861969, directly mirroring his birth date of 8/6/1969!
In a follow-up message, he adds, "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! To have this tribute to him blessed by the estate and discoverers is also a great honour."
Here's where it is in the main asteroid belt:
It's coming up roses everywhere you go, Orlando! Keep an eye out for Elliottsmith next time you're stargazing.
