Dictionary of Minor Planet Names

Until recently, minor planet name citations were scatteredin the astronomical literature, and the origin of many namesremained obscure. IAU Commission 20 in 1988 established astudy group to elucidate the meanings ofasteroid names.Under the chairmanship of the author, some 20 scientiststook part in the preparation of the names database.In addition to being of practical value for identificationpurposes, minor planet names also provide a most interestinghistorical insight into the work of astronomers.