Named in memory of Dean Benjamin McLaughlin (1901–1965), astronomical spectroscopist and geologist at Swarthmore College and the University of Michigan. He made the first rigorous spectroscopic measurement of stellar rotation — the rotation of Algol. He also applied his skill as a structural geologist to an interpretation of the telescopically observable markings on Mars, and this was later confirmed by direct observation from space vehicles. (M 6955) _ _.