2309 Mr. Spock is a small asteroid in the main asteroid belt, about 11 km in diameter. It was discovered in 1971 by James B. Gibson. Its name does not come directly from the character of Mr. Spock in Star Trek, but rather from the discoverer's cat. Like his namesake, the feline Mr. Spock was "imperturbable, logical, intelligent, and had pointed ears". The naming created an uproar, and the International Astronomical Union subsequently decided that pet animal names were to be discouraged. A number of other asteroids have since been named after Star Trek characters, as well as after musicians and other figures in pop culture.
External links
- Name those asteroids – "In Our Skies" sample column (February 13, 1998)