Elliott Smith spent much of his life turning loneliness and longing into timeless songs. More than two decades after his death, the singer-songwriter has received a tribute befitting his legacy of capturing fleeting, beautiful moments: an asteroid carrying his name.
The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature (WGSBN) has officially approved the designation “(861969) Elliottsmith” for a minor planet discovered in 2014. Fittingly, the asteroid’s numerical designation mirrors Smith’s birth date — August 6th, 1969.
The idea originated with Edinburgh-based independent filmmaker Orlando Campopiano, who was listening to “Shooting Star” from Smith’s posthumous 2004 album From a Basement on the Hill when the idea struck. Campopiano then worked with Smith’s estate to submit a naming proposal to the International Astronomical Union, which approved the designation.
“I hope this introduces at least one new person to Elliott’s brilliant discography, and I’m happy to see a permanent legacy in the stars!” Campopiano said in a statement. “To have this tribute to him blessed by the estate and discoverers is also a great honour.”
According to the official citation published in the IAU’s latest bulletin, the asteroid was named for “Elliott Smith, born Steven Paul Smith on August 6, 1969; American musician and songwriter.” The honor places Smith among a select group of musicians memorialized in the night sky, including David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Frank Zappa, and all four members of The Beatles.
Though Smith’s life was cut tragically short in 2003, albums like Either/Or, XO, Figure 8, and From a Basement on the Hill continue to resonate with new generations of listeners. Now, a small piece of the cosmos will carry his name as it continues its journey around our Sun.
Those curious to spot Elliott Smith’s cosmic tribute can explore the asteroid’s current location and orbit through NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s interactive Small-Body Database.
