Lowell Honors Poet with Asteroid Naming: A Tribute by Sedona Red Rock News Editor Christopher Fox Graham

Sedona resident and Managing Editor of Sedona Red Rock News, Christopher Fox Graham, has made headlines as the second individual from Sedona to have a celestial body named after him. The International Astronomical Union has officially redesignated asteroid 1999 (AQ23) as 29722 Chrisgraham.

Graham, also a prominent slam poet, has been an influential figure at the I Heart Pluto Festival. Kevin Schindler, a historian at Lowell Observatory, remarked on Graham’s contributions, stating, “He’s really gone above and beyond helping out and being part of our program.” This unique honor reflects the observatory’s tradition of recognizing those who significantly contribute to its mission.

The IAU citation describes Graham as “an American journalist and longtime managing editor of Sedona Red Rock News,” emphasizing his national recognition as a slam poet and his creative works centered around themes of space, including Pluto.

Dr. Larry Wasserman, a senior astronomer at Lowell Observatory, explained how the asteroid naming process works. Observers at the observatory measure the positions of asteroids, reporting them to the Minor Planet Center. “Once an object is sufficiently observed, it receives a preliminary designation and, later, a sequential number,” he said. The discoverer can then propose a name, leading to the eventual approval by the IAU.

Graham expressed his gratitude, describing the naming as “very moving.” He highlighted the support he has received from astronomers, noting, “Many of them have told me they don’t like poetry, but they liked mine.” This acknowledgment underscores the crossover between artistic expression and scientific appreciation.

Following the I Heart Pluto Festival, Graham was honored with the map of the orbit of 29722 Chrisgraham, presented by Schindler. The event was a surprise for Graham, who initially expected a minor gift. “I was very thankful and gave all those guys hugs,” he recalled. The unveiling reflects the observatory’s deep sense of community and celebration of individual contributions.

The name 29722 Chrisgraham was chosen as it was the next available designation from the Lowell Observatory’s extensive catalog. Wasserman noted, “The LONEOS telescope has 20,000 asteroids it can name.” Schindler estimates that the observatory submits dozens of asteroid names annually, emphasizing the importance of recognizing local figures and their achievements.

With a mildly eccentric orbit and a diameter of approximately three miles, 29722 Chrisgraham will be closest to Earth on May 9, 2025, at a distance of about 125.5 million miles. The asteroid’s faint visibility requires at least a 14-inch telescope for observation.

Graham is inspired by the enduring legacy of the asteroid, stating, “It’s going to be there for several hundred years, and it has my name on it.” He plans to compose a poem about the asteroid for the next festival, merging his artistic vision with his newfound celestial connection.

Ultimately, Graham emphasized the significance of being recognized in the realm of science, stating, “They gave me something that they work with in the same way that I give them something I create through poetry.” This sentiment speaks to the mutual appreciation between the worlds of astronomy and the arts, capturing a moment of intersection that celebrates human creativity against the backdrop of the universe.