Congratulations to HCR alumnus Chris Gainor
13 June 2024
Chris Gainor, PhD '11, University of Alberta
In recognition of his work for The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), an asteroid has been named for Chris Gainor, who received his PhD in the history of technology from the University of Alberta in 2011. The orbit of 20041 Gainor, a 5 km diameter asteroid, can be seen on the NASA website here.
When asked what this means to him and his work, Gainor said: “My interest in astronomy, which became the subject of much of my historical writing, led me to this unusual honour. It’s important to understand that the study of history can encompass distant places as well as distant times.”
More information can be found in Elizabeth Howell’s article “20 New Asteroid Names Honour Prominent Canadians, Thanks to RASC Work” on the SpaceQ website.