Asteroid named for could-be radio star

Boston blogger, podcaster, magician, street juggler and skeptic Rebecca Watson -- one of the six finalists in the Public Radio Talent Quest, awaiting a CPB funding decision on a program pilot -- now has an asteroid named after her. The rock, 2.7 miles across and orbiting between Jupiter and Mars, was officially named by the International Astronomical Union on March 21. Jeff Medkeff was entitled to name asteroid No. 153289 for Watson because he co-discovered it in 2001. "Rebecca really deserves this honor. She has provided a much-needed injection of enthusiasm and humor into science education," Medkeff said. She reacts to the news on her blog. See also Current coverage of Talent Quest.