Named in memory of Gerhard Bachmann (1931-1996), who came to the European Southern Observatory in 1970 and was head of administration at the organization from 1972 to 1996. Throughout this time he greatly contributed to ESO's success. His unusual diplomatic abilities and thorough knowledge of the interaction of science and politics ensured the smooth running of the observatory and efficient interaction with the member countries and the European Union. The naming marks his retirement from ESO and subsequent untimely death. Name proposed by the discoverer. Citation prepared by R. M. West.