IT is written in the stars for astronomer Mike Oates, who has just had a minor planet named after him.

The company director, from Prestwich Hills, has been studying the night sky for almost 20 years and he is the world record holder for discovering the most unknown comets in one year.

He is well-known in astronomical circles, so when one of his German counterparts discovered an asteroid, he thought it fitting to name it after his planet-loving pal.

The asteroid, situated between Mars and Jupiter, has been named (68948) Mikeoates and our Mike Oates is delighted.

The father-of-three, who has discovered 143 comets, said: "It is a great honour."

Mike does his astronomy by downloading images from the internet. The images are taken from the SOHO spacecraft and he can sit for many hours a day studying images.

He said: "The images are always changing and I have to compare them to previous images.