“Weird Al” Yankovic has an asteroid named in his honor, with the official dedication recognizing the influence his comedy and music have had on scientists. The International Astronomical Union published the name (14331) Alyankovic in its September 7, 2026 bulletin, singling out “It’s All About the Pentiums” and “White & Nerdy” as examples of songs that inspired generations of researchers.
For planetary scientist Allison McGraw, that connection was personal. She told the Arizona Daily Star that “White & Nerdy” resonated with her growing up. McGraw helped organize the nomination, then joined astrophysicist Steve Desch backstage before Yankovic’s September 20 concert at Tucson Arena to present commemorative certificates. She also gave him a meteorite of the same type as the asteroid bearing his name.
“I just hope this isn’t the asteroid that winds up destroying the earth,” Yankovic joked, according to the newspaper.
The object was discovered by astronomer S. J. Bus at Siding Spring in Australia on March 2, 1981. Also cataloged as 1981 EC26, it travels through the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, completing an orbit around the sun approximately once every four years.
Its new name follows the IAU’s process for recognizing people through small celestial bodies. Artists are eligible alongside scientists and other honorees, and approved names become official when published in the Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature’s bulletin. Yankovic’s dedication appears on page six, connecting the designation directly to his work as a musician, songwriter and actor.
McGraw hopes to study the asteroid more closely. She told the Star she wants to obtain additional telescope observations and, if enough data can be collected, create a 3D model showing its shape and movement.
