An asteroid after Don Alessandro Omizzolo

The asteroid (688117) Omizzolo, discovered on April 21, 2012 by astronomers K. Černis and R.P. Boyle at the Observatory on Mount Graham in Arizona, was named in honor of Don Alessandro Omizzolo, a priest, astronomer, and member of the Vatican Observatory.

Born in 1956, Don Omizzolo has devoted his scientific career to the study of quasars, galaxy clusters, and active galaxies, while also taking an interest in the relationship between faith, philosophy, and science. Among his most important contributions is the digitization of the Vatican Observatory's historic collection of photographic plates, a work that has helped preserve and enhance a valuable heritage of astronomical observations.

The naming of this asteroid represents a significant international recognition of his commitment to astronomical research and of the service he has provided to the scientific community and to the Vatican Observatory.

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