The naming of two asteroids discovered by Taiwan’s Lulin Observatory at National Central University was recently approved by Paris-based International Astronomical Union.
Nos. 236484 and 231346, discovered in March 2006 by observatory head Lin Hung-chin, were named Luchijen and Taofanlin, respectively. The former is a computer teacher at Taichung County’s Fuchuen Elementary School, while the latter worked as a section chief at Taipei Astronomical Museum.
“I named the two asteroids after Lu and Tao as a way of spotlighting their dedication to promoting the study of astronomy in basic scientific education,” Lin told Taiwan Today in a telephone interview May 14.
“This differs from past experiences of naming newly discovered celestial bodies after famous people or places in Taiwan.”
Lin, who applied for IAU approval of the naming in August last year, said a star gazing event established by Lu in 1996 is the largest of its kind in Taiwan, attracting more than 1,000 people each year to central Taiwan’s Hehuanshan.
The observatory head added that Tao is considered a torchbearer for many astronomy enthusiasts, inspiring them to pursue studies of the stars.
“I also learnt from Tao how to use an astronomy telescope when attending senior high school.” (RC-JSM)
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