Dream pop icon and Cocteau Twins singer, Elizabeth Fraser, has had her otherworldly reputation proven even further as she has officially had an asteroid named after her by the International Astronomical Union. The asteroid in question is simplified as being named “Fraser”.
Her label 4AD shared the news via their official social media last week on Thursday (September 28), to share the news. The posts stated: “Yesterday, after 10 years of research, the International Astronomical Union have named the asteroid 2013 TF19, ‘Fraser’, after Elizabeth Fraser,”. Also adding: “It does not pose a threat to humankind and will not collide with Earth for millions of years. It can only be viewed using an advance telescope but luckily is available to see on @nasa’s website.”
Yesterday, after 10 years of research, the International Astronomical Union have named the asteroid 2013 TF19, “Fraser”, after Elizabeth Fraser.
Learn more about the astroid on @nasa‘s website. https://t.co/KdNvLv3JGK pic.twitter.com/rpojT9ULfI
— 4AD (@4AD_Official) September 28, 2023
Fans took to social media to share their delight at a legacy being cemented in such a way, with one fan saying: “One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen! For someone who truly deserves it for all the faraway places she takes us with her music.” and another noting: “Wow! The honour couldn’t go to a better singer”.
The asteroid was finally named after 10 years of research after being first discovered in 2013. The asteroid poses no threat to humanity and isn’t set to collide with Earth for millions of years. The asteroid isn’t visible with the naked eye but can be seen via an advanced telescope, of which images from said telescope can be found on NASA’s website.
It does indeed seem appropriate for Elizabeth Fraser to have an asteroid named after her, given her whimsical vocal style with Cocteau Twins, which has been described as otherworldly since the band released their debut Garlands in 1982. Cocteau Twins started to garner a strong following after their 3rd album, Treasure, which Robert Smith of the Cure called: “the most romantic sound I’ve ever heard”.
After more releases across the 1980’s like Victorialand and Blue Bell Knoll, Fraser and Cocteau Twins released the highly influential Heaven or Las Vegas in 1990, with the band finally receiving mainstream success, landing at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart. The band followed this up with Four-Calender Café in 1993 and Milk & Kisses in 1996 before breaking up a year later in 1997 whilst attempting to record their ninth album.
Elizabeth Fraser and her partner, Damon Reece released an self-titled EP last year under the name Sun’s Signature, with an extended version being shared recently on August 25th of this year.
Extra information about the asteroid can be found here
