* Astronomy

An asteroid has been named after Chinese astronomy historian Xi Zezong, taking the number of minor planets linked to China to 30, China's National Astronomical Observatories (NAO) announced on Friday.
Asteroid No. 85472 (Provisional Designation 1997 LF4) was discovered on June 9, 1997, by the Beijing Schmidt CCD Asteroid Programme.

"Chinese science historian and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Xi Zezong made many contributions to the history of science, especially to the history of astronomy. His New catalogue of Ancient Novae (1995) was well received in the contemporary astrophysical community" - International Minor Planet Nomenclature Committee (IMPNC) gazette.

Xi was born on June 9, 1927. The day the asteroid was discovered was Xi's 70th birthday.

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"Academician Xi Zezong named asteroid he is to seek truth and promote the scientific spirit of pragmatism. The Star found Xi Zezong date coincides with Sir 70th birthday, and therefore the naming particularly memorable" - Liu Xiao

Source (Chinese)