Asteroid named to honour fallen Hong Kong tower block blaze firefighter

A Hong Kong-born astronomer, William Yeung, has named asteroid 34871 after firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died during the Wang Fuk Court fire. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the designation honors Ho’s courage during rescue operations in a blaze that killed 168 people.

How are asteroids named after civilians?

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) governs the naming of celestial bodies to ensure a standardized global catalog. While the IAU assigns a number to a minor planet upon its discovery, the privilege of proposing a name typically belongs to the discoverer.

William Yeung discovered asteroid 34871 in 2001. In this instance, Yeung used that right to memorialize Ho Wai-ho, 37, who died in the line of duty. According to the IAU’s citation records, Ho is recognized for “serving with courage in fire and rescue operations” and assisting in resident evacuations.

This process differs from “buying a star” services found online, which have no scientific standing. Only names vetted and approved by the IAU are officially recognized in the global astronomical community.

Why is celestial memorialization becoming a trend?

Memorials are shifting from purely physical sites to symbolic, eternal markers. While Ho Wai-ho was buried at Gallant Garden on December 19, 2025, the naming of asteroid 34871 provides a different form of permanence.

Ho’s fiancee, Kiki, shared a social media post where she quoted Yeung, stating that while the asteroid may not be visible to the human eye, the “essence it represents is genuine and eternal.” This represents a growing trend in “legacy science,” where astronomical discoveries are used to create permanent records of human bravery.

This contrast is sharp. A physical grave is a site for mourning, but a celestial designation moves the memory into the realm of scientific record. As reported by HKFP, the naming ensures Ho’s name “will remain forever in the solar system.”

Comparing Physical vs. Celestial Honors

What role do amateur astronomers play in modern discovery?

The discovery of asteroid 34871 by William Yeung highlights the critical role of citizen scientists. For decades, space discovery was the sole domain of government agencies like NASA. Today, amateur astronomers with high-end telescopes and software contribute significantly to the Minor Planet Center’s database.

Yeung’s 2001 discovery shows the long-term nature of these contributions. A body can be tracked for years before the discoverer decides to propose a formal name. This gap allows for a meaningful connection to be made, as seen with the timing of this tribute to Ho.

The democratization of astronomy means more “ordinary” people are now the gatekeepers of celestial nomenclature. This allows local heroes—who might not be globally famous but are vital to their communities—to be etched into the map of the solar system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should we honor fallen heroes in the digital and scientific age? Do you believe celestial naming is more impactful than traditional monuments? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on science and society.