Nordic Optical Telescope

Two asteroids named in honor of NOT technicians Peter Brandt and Markku Verkkoniemi

Picture: Urs Leutenegger (2024)

The staff of the Nordic Optical Telescope is proud to announce that the Working Group on Small Body Nomenclature (WGSBN) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named two main belt asteroids after our colleagues Peter Brandt (1954-2025) and Markku Verkkoniemi (1962-2004), as reported in WGSBN Bulletin, Volume 5, Number 21. Both asteroids were discovered with the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) over the last decade by astronomer Ovidiu Vaduvescu, as part of the EURONEAR project. We sincerely thank him for proposing the names of our dear colleagues, who dedicated their working lives to astronomy at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

Peter Eric Brandt (1954–2025)

To everyone at NOT, he was simply Pedro. He was already on the mountain before the telescope existed, taking care of the components during the construction phase, and later became responsible for its daily maintenance until his retirement in 2020. He built and repaired countless mechanical items and kept the telescope running smoothly, always with a positive attitude, even in difficult times. Pedro passed away three months ago. Asteroid (785630) Peterbrandt, discovered in 2015 with the provisional designation 2015 QR24, now carries his name in space as a tribute to a person who dedicated much of his life to caring for the telescope and the people around it.

Markku Yrjö Verkkoniemi (1962-2004)

Markku joined NOT in 2001 as a System Manager. An expert in computers and software, he brought new ideas to the operation of the telescope and quickly became a trusted colleague and friend. Always approachable and willing to help, he left an indelible mark on those who worked with him. On October 19, 2004, Markku's life was tragically cut short in a traffic accident on his way to the mountain. Now, asteroid (783963) Verkkoniemi, discovered in 2014 with the provisional designation 2014 WZ284, carries his memory around the Sun as a silent but lasting tribute to his memory.

Together, Pedro and Markku represent the spirit of the Nordic Optical Telescope: a combination of expertise, practical dedication, and human warmth. From a technical standpoint, they contributed greatly to keeping the telescope a useful and productive facility for generations of astronomers. For all of us who had the privilege of working alongside them, seeing their names among the stars is a poignant reminder that their presence remains with us, orbiting above.

Last modified: September 30 2025