Bob McDonald, a well-known Canadian science commentator, was ecstatic at having an asteroid named after him.

The commentator, known for simplifying astronomical concepts using low tech props, almost fell overboard at the news.

McDonald said it was a huge thing for him. As a little kid, he dreamt of going into space. It hasn't happen yet but having an asteroid named after him is almost as good.

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David Balam, a professional observer at the National Research Council of Canada, discovered the asteroid in 2006 using the Canada-France- Hawaii Telescope.

Balam said he couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the honor than McDonald for popularizing astronomy and science in Canada. He usually names new asteroids after Canadian astronomers, science educators and people who popularize astronomy. 

The asteroid, which first went by the number 332324 and the designation 2006 XN67, didn't get an official name until two weeks ago.

Traditionally, astronomers can suggest names for asteroids they discover. The Committee on Small Body Nomenclature sanctions will make the names official.

Balam would want to personally break the news of the asteroid's name to McDonald himself but he coudln't because of the internet.

He decided to send an e-mail to McDonald before the news spread.

The asteroid named Bob McDonald is now part of the list of 432 asteroids maintained by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

McDonald is the National Science Commentator for CBC Television and CBC News Network. Since 1992, he has been the host of a weekly radio science show, Quirks & Quarks that draws half a million listeners each week.