Asteroid 21033 Phoinixia honors indie musician Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith has been newly honored with an asteroid that now bears his name. Orlando Campopiano, an Edinburgh-based independent filmmaker, came up with the idea while listening to “Shooting Star” from Smith’s posthumous 2004 album From a Basement on the Hill , and he worked with Smith’s estate and family, who he says are “incredibly happy with the tribute.” They got official approval from the PAN-STARRS discovery team, and Asteroid (861969) 2014 OS439 (the first part of which mirrors Smith’s date of birth, 8/6/1968) is officially “Elliottsmith.”

“I hope this introduces at least one new person to Elliott’s brilliant discography, and I’m happy to see a permanent legacy in the stars,” Campopiano says. “To have this tribute to him blessed by the estate and discoverers is also a great honour.”

There’s a 3D viewing link here , and the full bulletin with the announcement is here .

Nile Rodgers, Brian Eno, Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser, Led Zeppelin, all four members of The Beatles, Enya, Yes, Bee Gees, Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Motörhead, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie are among the musicians who also have asteroids named after them.

_Originally reported by [Brooklyn Vegan](https://www.brooklynvegan.com/elliott-smith-honored-with-namesake-asteroid/)._