Publisher's Synopsis
Until recently, minor planet name citations were scattered in the astronomical literature, and the origin of many names remained obscure. The IAU Commission 20 in 1988 established a study group to elucidate the meanings of asteroid names. Under the chairmanship of the author of this text, 20 scientists took part in the preparation of the names database. This text is intended for identification purposes of such minor planet names. In addition it also provides an historical insight into the work of astronomers.
