Norman G. Thomas

Norman G. Thomas, born on May first, nineteen thirty, was a prominent American astronomer renowned for his significant contributions to the discovery of minor planets. His career flourished at the esteemed Lowell Observatory, where he utilized the blink comparator technique in collaboration with Robert Burnham Jr., the esteemed author of the celebrated three-volume Celestial Handbook.

Throughout his career, Thomas was credited by the Minor Planet Center with the discovery of fifty-five numbered minor planets between nineteen sixty-four and nineteen eighty-nine. Among his notable discoveries are the Apollo asteroids 4544 Xanthus and 4581 Asclepius, as well as the Amor asteroid 3352 McAuliffe, showcasing his pivotal role in expanding our understanding of celestial bodies.

In recognition of his contributions to astronomy, the main-belt asteroid 2555 Thomas was named in his honor. This asteroid was discovered by Edward Bowell at Anderson Mesa Station in nineteen eighty, with the naming citation published on April eighth, nineteen eighty-two, further solidifying Thomas's legacy in the field of astronomy.