mumbaiUpdated: Sep 30, 2019 08:27 ISTThe International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named a minor planet between Mars and Jupiter after 89-year-old Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj. The citation reads, “Minor planet 2006 VP32 has been officially designated Panditjasraj (300128) by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).” It further states, “Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj (b.1930) is an exponent of Indian Classical vocal music. A life dedicated to music, Jasraj is the recipient of numerous awards, honours, and titles including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. I dedicate this achievement to my country.”Information on naming the minor planet Panditjasraj is published in the ‘Minor Planet Circulars/Minor Planets and Comets’ on behalf of IAU. “In this case, there’s 90% chance that a fan named the minor planet after Pandit Jasraj for a price.”Jasraj’s daughter Durga said the family was informed in the early hours of September 24, and received the citation early Saturday morning.

Source: Hindustan Times September 29, 2019 19:19 UTC