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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 14 sources tracked

Astronomers just named an asteroid after 'Weird Al' Yankovic

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially named an asteroid after musician 'Weird Al' Yankovic. The asteroid, previously known as (14331), will hereafter be known as 'Alyankovic'. This honor was bestowed upon Yankovic for his influence on a planetary scientist's career and his significant contributions to music.

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  • ✓ The asteroid named after 'Weird Al' Yankovic will hereafter be known as 'Alyankovic'.
  • ✓ The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved the naming of the asteroid.
  • ✓ 'Weird Al' Yankovic has had a significant influence on a planetary scientist's career.
  • ✓ The asteroid (14331) Alyankovic is located between Mars and Jupiter.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The IAU's official approval and announcement of the asteroid's new name is the latest development in this story.

Live updates

  1. Asteroid Named After 'Weird Al' Yankovic

    The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially named an asteroid after musician 'Weird Al' Yankovic. The asteroid, previously known as (14331), will hereafter be known as 'Alyankovic'. This honor was bestowed upon Yankovic for his influence on a planetary scientist's career and his significant contributions to music.

    Why it matters

    This recognition is a unique tribute to Yankovic's impact on popular culture. Asteroids are often named after notable figures in various fields, and this naming convention is a way to acknowledge their contributions. 'Weird Al' Yankovic is a renowned musician known for his comedic songs and parodies.

    What is confirmed

    • The asteroid named after 'Weird Al' Yankovic will hereafter be known as 'Alyankovic'.
    • The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved the naming of the asteroid.
    • 'Weird Al' Yankovic has had a significant influence on a planetary scientist's career.
    • The asteroid (14331) Alyankovic is located between Mars and Jupiter.

    What to watch next

    • Further details on the asteroid's characteristics and orbit.
    • Reaction from 'Weird Al' Yankovic regarding his namesake asteroid.
    Sources used for this update (17)
    1. Space — Astronomers just named an asteroid after 'Weird Al' Yankovic
    2. Popular Science — Asteroid named after ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
    3. Audacy — Asteroid named for Weird Al as singer plays Fort Worth tonight
    4. consequence.net — “Weird Al” Hopes New Asteroid Named in His Honor Doesn’t Bring on the Alpocalypse
    5. Newser — Asteroid Will Hereafter Be Known as 'Alyankovic'
    6. www.space.com — Astronomers just named an asteroid after 'Weird Al' Yankovic | Space
    7. www.space.com — Asteroid samples from NASA's epic OSIRIS-REx mission show Bennu was born from fire and ice | Space
    8. file770.com — Pixel Scroll 9/25/26 You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Pixel | File 770
    9. flipboard.com — Asteroid named after ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
    10. harpers.org — Weekly Review, by Harper’s Magazine
    11. www.space.com — Icy moons may hold on to their underground oceans even after being smashed apart | Space
    12. www.popsci.com — Asteroid named after ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - Popular Science
    confidence 100%
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