Why Was Asteroid 7307 Named After George Takei?

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Asteroid 7307 has been renamed 7307 Takei to honor actor George Takei, renowned for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in the original "Star Trek" series. Discovered in 1994 by Japanese astronomers, this celestial body was previously designated as 1994 GT9. It joins other asteroids named after notable figures in science fiction, including 4659 Roddenberry and 68410 Nichols. Takei expressed his surprise and delight upon learning of the honor, stating, "I am now a heavenly body."

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... 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

:approve:
 
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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! :approve: