Named after the Comet Observers Network in Japan, “Hoshi no Hiroba”, established by Akira Kamo {see planet  (4215)} in 1968. About 350 earnest observers made 8805 visual magnitude estimates of 89 comets in the first 20 years. “Hoshi no Hiroba” means an open space where everybody can come and enjoy watching stars. (M 22504) _ _.