Brian May has a Star Named in the Ophiuchus Constellation

In a celestial gesture of admiration for his remarkable talents, someone named a star for Brian May through International Star Registry on July 19, 1997. This celestial body bears the name “Brian May” and is located in the Ophiuchus constellation, precisely at RA 17h 53m 49.23s D 12° 29′ 40.78″. This unique honor is a testament to the multifaceted career and accomplishments of Sir Brian Harold May CBE, an English musician, songwriter, singer, astrophysicist, and animal rights activist.

Learn more about Brian May on his Wikipedia page

A Stellar Musician and Songwriter

Brian May gained worldwide fame as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the iconic rock band Queen, which he co-founded alongside Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. May’s exceptional guitar work and songwriting contributions played a pivotal role in making Queen one of the most legendary acts in the history of music. His distinctive sound, achieved through layered guitar work and his custom-built electric guitar, the Red Special, set him apart as a virtuoso musician.

May’s songwriting prowess gave birth to numerous Queen hits, including classics like “We Will Rock You,” “I Want It All,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Flash,” “Hammer to Fall,” “Save Me,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “The Show Must Go On.” His collaboration with Queen spanned several decades, defining the rock genre and cementing their place in music history.

A Rock Journey with Queen

Before Queen, May and Roger Taylor performed together in the progressive rock band Smile, which May joined during his university years. Queen’s lineup was completed with the addition of bass guitarist John Deacon in 1971. The band’s breakthrough came with the album “A Night at the Opera” and its iconic single, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” From the mid-1970s until 1986, Queen graced the world’s largest stages, culminating in their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.

Awards and Recognitions

Brian May’s influence on music extended beyond Queen. In 2005, he was ranked the seventh-greatest guitarist of all time in a Planet Rock poll. He also secured the 33rd position on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time in 2023. Guitar World magazine’s readers ranked him as the second-greatest guitarist in 2012. In 2001, Brian May was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen, and in 2018, the band received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Passion for Astrophysics

While his music career soared, May nurtured his passion for astrophysics. In 2007, he earned a PhD degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London. Brian May’s dedication to the field led him to collaborate with NASA’s New Horizons Pluto mission as a “science team collaborator.” He also co-founded the awareness campaign Asteroid Day, and an asteroid, 52665 Brianmay, was named in his honor.

In 2023, May contributed to NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected and delivered samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, marking a historic achievement in space exploration.

An Advocate for Animal Rights

Brian May’s commitment to making the world a better place extended to his role as an animal rights activist. He passionately campaigned against fox hunting and the culling of badgers in the UK, using his influence to protect wildlife and advocate for their rights.

A Knight and a Commander

Brian May’s contributions to music, science, and charity earned him a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005. His philanthropic efforts and dedication to various causes were recognized when he was knighted by King Charles III in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to music and charity.

In summary, Brian May’s life is a brilliant constellation of achievements, spanning music, astrophysics, and philanthropy. His star shines brightly in the world of rock and science, leaving an indelible mark on both. To commemorate a star name, record a star name, or buy a star package in honor of Brian May’s remarkable journey, visit www.starregistry.com.