Astronomers used to name asteroids after classic Greek and Roman figures. Times change.
Asteroids numbered 4147, 4148, 4149 and 4150 are now called Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr, the International Astronomical Union's minor planet center said Wednesday.Lowell Observatory astronomers Brian Skiff and Edward Bowell have been Beatles fans for years. So the names seemed natural for the asteroids, discovered in 1983 and 1984 during a photographic survey of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
"We thought it would be kind of nice to honor people who don't usually get recognized in space," said Bowell, a native of England.
He said most asteroids now are named after eminent astronomers or scientists, although Harvard Observatory astronomers in Massachusetts named one after rock guitarist Eric Clapton.
Bowell said asteroid finders have the right to name their discoveries, abiding by a code which permits almost any name except those of politicians or religious figures.
The newly named asteroids range from five to 10 miles in diameter, which is typical, Bowell said.