Why Was Asteroid 7307 Named After George Takei?

[Ivan Seeking]

... An asteroid between Mars and Jupiter has been renamed 7307 Takei in honor of the actor, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original "Star Trek" series and movies.

"I am now a heavenly body," Takei, 70, said Tuesday, laughing. "I found out about it yesterday. ... I was blown away. It came out of the clear, blue sky -- just like an asteroid." [continued]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/10/03/takei.asteroid.ap/index.html

 

[Astronuc]

The celestial rock, discovered by two Japanese astronomers in 1994, was formerly known as 1994 GT9. It joins the 4659 Roddenberry (named for the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry) and the 68410 Nichols (for co-star Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura). Other main-belt asteroids have been named for science fiction luminaries Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov.

Cool!

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

This is a wonderful tribute to George Takei and his contributions to science fiction and popular culture. It is fitting that an asteroid, a celestial body often associated with exploration and discovery, is named after an actor who portrayed a character on a mission to seek out new worlds and civilizations. Takei's impact on the world of science fiction and his advocacy for social issues make him a deserving honoree for this asteroid. Congratulations to Mr. Takei on this unique and exciting recognition.