Named in memory of Joel Stebbins (1878–1966), who pioneered the development of photoelectric methods for measuring astronomical radiation, first at the University of Illinois, then at the University of Wisconsin. He applied the method in work on eclipsing binaries, interstellar reddening and the integrated magnitudes of galaxies. Others have used the technique to study the shapes, rotation periods and surface properties of asteroids. (M 8403) _ _.