Named for the Canadian astronomer Ruth Josephine Northcott (1913–1969), an associate professor at the University of Toronto and a staff member of the David Dunlap Observatory from its inception in 1935. A specialist in stellar radial velocities, Northcott served on IAU Commissions 26 (double stars), 30 (radial velocities) and 41 (history of astronomy). In 1956 she succeeded C. A. Chant {see planet  (3315)} as editor of the Observer’s Handbook of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, a position she held until her untimely death. (M 12974) _ _.