Planet named after former Governor Gordon Reid

29/7/93

Services Minister Graham Kierath today awarded a certificate recording the naming of a planet after former Governor Gordon Reid and his wife Ruth.

"The naming of minor planets provides an opportunity to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to the community," Mr Kierath said.

"I am very pleased that the observatory has chosen to name a minor planet after Ruth and the late Gordon Reid."

Perth Observatory staff discover several 'minor planets' each year while surveying the night sky as part of their astronomical research.  Minor Planet Reid was discovered by observatory staff in 1978.

The minor planet is located in the asteroid belt, around 460 million kilometres from the sun.

It usually takes several years before it can be established that the planet has a fixed orbit, following which approval to name the planet is given by the Institute of Astronomy Union Bureau in the United States.

Gordon Reid, a Companion of the Order of Australia, served as Governor of Western Australia from 1984 until his death in 1989.

He was also the foundation professor of politics at the University of Western Australia and was made deputy vice-chancellor of the university in 1978.

Ruth Reid has been recognised for her continuing work for the disadvantaged in the Western Australian community.

Media contact: Brian Coulter 222 9595 or 481 2133