Chinese singer Bella (Yao Beina) passed away on Jan. 16, 2015, at the age of 34. The singer died of breast cancer after a three-year battle. (Photo : www.english.sina.com)
The late singer Yao Beina was given honor and recognition as the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named an asteroid after the multi-awarded and courageous singer who battled breast cancer.
According to an article on chinaentertainmentnews.com, asteroid number 41981 has been named as 41981 Yaobeina as announced in the latest circular from IAU's minor planet center.
IAU, the world's largest professional body for astronomers, said that Yao Beina was a brave Chinese vocalist, who won several awards for her talent as a brilliant pop music vocalist and performer.
The circular also gave recognition of Yao's battle with breast cancer, which was reflected in one of her popular songs, "Fire of the Heart." When she died, the singer donated her cornea.
According to the report, William Kwong Yu Yeung, a Hong Kong-born Canadian amateur astronomer, discovered the asteroid in 2000, in a region between Mars and Jupiter.
The existence of the asteroid, which is too small to be seen by the naked eye and can only be observed through a telescope, was finally proven on March 9, 2015, taking an elliptic orbit between Mars and Jupiter.
Yeung has found and named many other asteroids after famous Chinese artists and celebrities. Asteroid 64291 Anglee, was named after director Ang Lee, while 42295 Teresateng, was named after famous Taiwan singer Deng Lijun or Teresa Teng.
Based on IAU standard practice, once minor planet discoveries are confirmed, the IAU's Minor Planet Center gives them a permanent number, and the discoverers can then suggest the names for them, following the organization's naming conventions.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was established in 1919, whose mission is to promote and safeguard the science and practice of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
