It was named (following a suggestion from Robert H. McNaught) after Joseph Priestley, as co-discoverer of the element oxygen, because green emission in the aurora (astronomy), due to atomic oxygen, occurs at a wavelength of 5577 angstroms (557.7 nanometers).
Joseph Priestley | Jason Priestley | J. B. Priestley | Brian Priestley | Raymond Priestley | Priestley Medal | Priestley | Joanna Priestley | William Overend Priestley | Julian Priestley | Joseph Priestley's | Dennis Priestley | Arthur Priestley | 5577 Priestley |
On October 10, 1986, Waldron discovered the asteroid, 3753 Cruithne, while serving at the UK Schmidt Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, and on November 21, 1986, also discovered asteroid 5577 Priestley.