Three amateur astronomers from New Brunswick are getting some out-of-this-world recognition.

Mike Powell, Paul Owen and Chris Curwin now have an asteroid designated in their name.

MIPACH, which combines the first two letters of each of their names, was designated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The trio launched a weekly online show during the pandemic called The Sunday Night Astronomy Show.

Now approaching its 200th episode, the live and interactive show covers observing, equipment and special events.

MIPACH, which is 6.37 kilometres in diameter, was first discovered in November 1991, according to IAU.

It is part of the main asteroid belt that runs between Mars and Jupiter.