Named in honor of Harlan J. Smith {1924–1991}, the Edward Randall Jr., M.D. Centennial Professor in Astronomy at the University of Texas and director of McDonald Observatory since 1963. Under his leadership, McDonald has become one of the most productive observatories in the world. While serving as chairman of the astronomy department from 1963 to 1978, Smith oversaw its development into the largest and one of the best academic astronomy programs in the United States. (M 13610) _ _.
