Named in memory of Vladimir Evgen’evich Stepanov (1913–1986), a corresponding member of the former Soviet Academy of Sciences, well-known for his work in solar physics and solar-terrestrial relations. For many years he led the solar researches at the Siberian Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation, and he did much for the development of astronomy in Siberia. (M 20835) _ _.