Two RASC Victoria Centre members who have long served both our membership and the public to promote astronomy and science have been honoured by NRC astronomer Dave Balam, discoverer of many Minor Planets found within our solar system. Published today on behalf of the International Astronomical Union by the WG Small Bodies Nomenclature in their Bulletin Vol 5, #25 for 2025 Nov 3.
Alex and Joe join many other RASC Victoria Centre members who have also been honoured by Dave’s discoveries. They will no doubt want to observe/photograph their respective minor planets when the opportunity presents itself! The Discovery images for (578249) Josephcarr is the above banner image.
Minor planets are assigned a number when they are discovered and their orbital parameters are determined, however not all are subsequently named. We are fortunate that Dave works here in Victoria for the National Research Council, and is particularly eager to name his discoveries after deserving Canadians who are involved in astronomy and the space sciences.
(568092) Alexschmid = 2003 QF117
Discovery: 2003-08-29 / D. D. Balam / Maunakea / 568
Alexander Schmid (b. 1964) is a Canadian instructor with the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Victoria and a thirty-year member of the Victoria chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He has contributed selflessly to the public understanding of astronomy and was awarded the Newton-Ball Award of the RASC in 2021.
(578249) Josephcarr = 2013 YY81
Discovery: 2004-03-16 / D. D. Balam / Maunakea / 568
Joseph Carr (b. 1952) is a Canadian amateur astronomer and long-term member of the Victoria chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He has contributed selflessly to the public understanding of astronomy through public outreach.
My Grade 6 teacher Mr. Riley would be pleased…he’s the one who sparked my interest in astronomy back in 1963-64. It’s an honour to have my name on a minor planet, and be part of the scientific record for as long as the human race survives. Once he human race vanishes, “my” minor planet will still be there, nameless but continuing to orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. For me personally, this naming brings the vast time scale of the universe into focus.
Joe Carr
