“Weird Al” Hopes New Asteroid Named in His Honor Doesn’t Bring on the Alpocalypse

It’s approximately a mile and a quarter in diameter, moving at an average speed of 42,500 miles per hour, and is officially weird. An asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter has been named in honor of “Weird Al” Yankovic.“This is perhaps the greatest honor I’ve ever received,” Yankovic said of the al-steroid. “I just hope this isn’t the asteroid that winds up destroying the earth.”Get Weird Al Yankovic Tickets HereEarlier this month, the International Astronomical Union approved the naming of the asteroid as (14331) Alyankovic. As to why The Weird One received the astronomical tribute instead of the usual science smartypants honoree, the official citation reads, “Generations of scientists have been inspired by his comedic musical works, including ‘It’s All About the Pentiums’ and ‘White and Nerdy.'”Not mentioning “Slime Creatures from Outer Space” seems like an oversight, but a press release also notes “Word Crimes” and the recently unearthed Al’s Brain: A 3-D Journey Through the Human Brain as examples of how Yankvoic has long used humor to champion learning.“For countless scientists, engineers, programmers, educators, and students, his work helped create an environment where be...