Named in honour of amateur astronomers Deborah Elizabeth Fassel (b. 1950-07-03 in Elmira, New York) and Charles Sebastian Fassel (b. 1955-04-30 in Toronto, Canada), who now live in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Charlie's interest in rockets and the space program began during the Mercury program, when he was 7 years old. Drawn as well to astronomy, Charlie is an active observer of planets and Messier objects. Charlie was President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Niagara Centre, in 1979-1980, in 1983-1984 and again in 1992-1993. Charlie has taught classes about astronomy and space exploration at the Niagara South Board of Education and the Buffalo Museum of Science, and appeared on television programs in Buffalo. Debby's interest in astronomy stemmed from her father, who worked on the mirror for the 5m telescope while an employee at Corning Glass Works. Debby is a life member of the National Space Society, and has served as editor of "Niagara Whirlpool," the newsletter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Niagara Centre. Tireless promoters of astronomy, they were married in 1982.
Name proposed and citation prepared by Peter Jedicke and Robert Jedicke.

Reference: MPC 45337