Arts & Entertainment

Asteroid named after Freddie Mercury for his 70th birthday

former Queen frontman joins David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix

Published

10 years ago

September 6, 2016

Freddie Mercury, gay news, Washington Blade

Freddie Mercury (Photo by Carl Lender; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was honored with his own asteroid by the International Astronomical Union and the Minor Planet Center on Sept. 5, what would have been the singer’s 70th birthday.

Bandmate and astrophysicist Brian May made the announcement in a video uploaded to YouTube on Sunday.

Asteroid 17473 Freddiemercury is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid was discovered by Belgian astronomer Henri Debehogne in 1991, the year of Mercury’s death. It reflects only about 30 percent of light making it difficult to see without a powerful telescope. The asteroid is three-and-a-half kilometers (about two miles).

According to The Guardian, the asteroid orbits around the sun at 20 kilometers per second and won’t come closer than 350 million kilometers to Earth.

“It’s just a dot of light, but it’s a very special dot of light,” May says in the video.

Other famous names to receive their own asteroid include Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie.

Check out Asteroid 17473 Freddiemercury’s orbit diagram here.

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PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

Published

1 hour ago

August 1, 2026

Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers

A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.