Asteroid named for Irish amateur astronomer

[johnmc9929]

Just getting round to this now This is John Flannery's announcement on IFAS.

It is with great pleasure that I can officially tell everyone that another Irish amateur astronomer has been honored by having an asteroid named after them.

James O'Connor, 61 years a member of the Irish Astronomical Society, was presented with the honor at a meeting of the IAS and SDAS in Gonzaga College on Thursday, October 14th.

Asteroid 30558 Jamesoconnor is a Main Belt object orbiting the Sun with a period of 3.31 years.

The citation from the International Astronomical Union reads;

"Irish amateur astronomer James O'Connor (b. 1931) has been a stalwart of the Irish Astronomical Society for sixty years, serving as president, secretary and council member. He has also written a history of the Society covering the years 1937--2006. The name was suggested by J. McConnell."

The asteroid was discovered on 2001 July 16 by the Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object Search (LONEOS) at the Anderson Mesa Station.

I'm sure you will all join me in congratulating Jimmy on this award. I have known Jimmy since joining the IAS in 1987 and he has been a tremendous support to both the Society and individual members.

The presentation was made by John McConnell who travelled from Northern Ireland. Many people deserve mention in their contributions to this special occasion.

Dave Grennan did fantastic background research on the asteroid discovery circumstances and compiled a beautiful framed collage of the asteroid, citation and elements. John McConnell himself liaised with the professional community when nominating Jimmy for the award. Jonathan Bingham accompanied John down to Dublin on the night and both Liam Smyth and John O'Neill worked in the background to ensure Jimmy would be at the meeting.

Not to forget that Thursday night's gathering also included asteroid discoverers Dave McDonald as well as Dave Grennan, newly designated Observatory Code holder Michael O'Connell, and Dave Gradwell, who gave a superb talk on observing the Sun which included many of his own beautiful images of our nearby star.

All in all, one of the best IAS/SDAS meetings with so many historic moments.

More details about Jimmy's asteroid at;

ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=jamesoconnor&orb=1

L to R - J McConnell, Maire O'Connor, James O'Connor and J O'Neill.

[Paul Evans]

That's excellent news John, and well done on your part in putting this together. I don't know James personally but I can tell from the picture that he's a pleased as punch!

Clear skies,

Paul.

[pook]

Yes John,
Very well done. James is a worthy receipient of the award and has made a significant contribution to amateur astronomy and the IAS. As Paul says, just look at that smile!!
Pook

[johnmc9929]

Thanks guy's!

It was a particular personal delight to me to try and have James's name honoured when I was approached to see if I could assist. I have known Jimmy for a long time, probably our first encounter was the late 60's. When the citation was read out on Thursday night his face just beamed with delight when the realization of what was happening hit him. It was also lovely that Jimmy's wife Maire could be with him to share in his joy. That was the lasting memory for me. Jimmy has given 61 years of his time to the IAS serving on every high post on the council including editor of "Orbit" for many years. One of the unsung heroes of the Society and thoroughly deserves this honour. Congratulations again Jimmy!