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Biography
Skiff received his BS from Northern Arizona University in 1977 and has worked as a research astronomer at Lowell Observatory since 1976. Beyond research, he participates in public outreach and can often be found engaging with guests of the observatory.
Between 1980 and 1997, he has also discovered a total 60 numbered minor planets,
On 11 November 2002, Skiff discovered the asteroid and quasi-satellite of Venus, 524522 Zoozve. Originally named 2002VE, it caught the attention of Radiolab co-host Latif Nasser after he noticed his child's drawing of the solar system had incorrectly labeled the asteroid 'Zoozve'. Nasser aired this personal anecdote on a Radiolab episode released 26 January 2024. Zoozve became national news, and Skiff proposed to the International Astronomical Union's Working Group Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) that the asteroid be renamed. The IAU approved 'Zoozve' on 5 February 2024.
Skiff was the final person to use the Pluto Discovery Telescope for research before it was retired and subsequently put on display for the public.
Awards and honors
The Florian main-belt asteroid 2554 Skiff was named in his honor.
Skiff received the William Tyler Olcott Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2011.
List of discovered minor planets
Brian Skiff is credited with the discovery and co-discovery of 60 minor planets between 1981 and 1997. The co-discovery of 2557 Putnam, 3256 Daguerre, 3807 Pagels and 4193 Salanave he made in collaboration with Norman G. Thomas . His most cited paper is:
He is also the author of two books:
See also
References
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