An asteroid discovered by a Hong Kong-born astronomer has been named after a firefighter who died in the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, with his fiancée expressing gratitude for a move that turned him into an eternal “star”.
Ho Wai‑ho, 37, was killed in the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po last November while helping to evacuate residents.
To honour his sacrifice, amateur astronomer William Yeung Kwong-yu, a former president of the Hong Kong Astronomical Society, has named asteroid 34871 “Howaiho” after him.
Yeung, a Hong Kong‑born Canadian, has become one of the world’s most prolific discoverers of asteroids and is credited with finding more than 2,000 minor planets.
He discovered the asteroid on October 18, 2001, at his privately built Desert Eagle Observatory in the United States.
The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature formally approved the name this month, noting Ho’s courage and dedication in rescue operations.
The official citation records that he “served with courage in fire and rescue operations, assisting in the evacuation of residents during emergencies. He died in the line of duty during a major fire accident in Hong Kong and is remembered for his bravery and dedication”.
Ho’s fiancée, Kiki, revealed on social media on Tuesday night that Yeung had told her about the naming.
She quoted him as saying: “This asteroid may not be visible to the naked eye, but its meaning is real and eternal. Ho Wai‑ho’s name will remain in the solar system, and his courage, sacrifice and spirit of saving lives will stay in Hongkongers’ memory.”
She added: “My beloved 34871 Ho Wai‑ho, as a star you will forever watch over us.”
The asteroid is a relatively small, rocky body orbiting the sun. Scientists estimate it to be 2km to 4km wide, about the size of a small mountain.
It takes nearly four Earth years to complete one orbit. Incredibly dim, it cannot be seen with the naked eye or through a standard backyard telescope.
Ho, posthumously given the honorary rank of senior fireman, was among the 168 people killed in the 43-hour inferno that ravaged Wang Fuk Court. About 5,000 residents were displaced. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
