Kimmo Innanen

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Kimmo Albin Innanen (March 12, 1937 – August 3, 2011) was a Canadian astrophysicist known for his work in celestial mechanics and solar system dynamics. He grew up in Toronto, spoke Finnish as his first language, and earned a BSc in engineering physics from the University of Toronto, an MSc in applied mathematics from the University of Waterloo (1960), and a PhD from the University of Toronto (1964). In 1966 he joined York University's physics department. His research covered celestial mechanics, galactic dynamics, and later Solar System studies and asteroids, publishing more than 100 papers. In 1990, with Seppo Mikkola, he predicted the existence of Mars Trojans; this was later confirmed by observations. In 1997 he helped in the discovery of Earth's first co-orbital asteroid, 3753 Cruithne. He served as York's dean of science from 1986 to 1994. He received an honorary degree from the University of Turku in 1995. The asteroid 3497 Innanen was named in his honor in 1992. He died in Toronto at age 74.