The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved the name after a proposal from the CCAF astronomy club in Farra d’Isonzo, a town in the north Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The newly-christened Parisi Asteroid (15803) was discovered on February 7, 1994.
Parisi, 73, said he was “moved and excited” at the news.
“Never in my life would I have imagined having an asteroid with my name on it,” he added.
“I will consider it a constant reminder of the commitment necessary to consolidate scientific culture in our country.”
Last October, Parisi – together with scientists Klaus Hasselmann and Syukuro Manabe – won the Nobel Physics Prize for climate models and the understanding of physical systems.
