Asteroid Renamed For ‘Star Trek’ Actor Takei
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George Takei already had a place among the stars in the minds of millions of “Star Trek” fans. Now, he’s taking up permanent residence as the namesake of the asteroid formerly known as the 1994 GT9. The asteroid, located between Mars and Jupiter, has been renamed 7307 Takei in honor of the actor, who is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series.
“I am now a heavenly body,” Mr. Takei said yesterday, laughing.
The celestial rock, discovered by two Japanese astronomers in 1994, joins the 4659 Roddenberry (named for the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry) and the 68410 Nichols (for co-star Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura). Other main-belt asteroids are already named for science fiction luminaries Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov.