Named in honor of Alexandra Rachel Druyan Sagan, young daughter of Carl Sagan {see planet  (2709)} and Ann Druyan {see planet  (4970)}. Sasha’s charismatic parents are passionately committed to preserving a peaceful, intact world to their children to inherit. This is well expressed in the dedication of his book Cosmos: “for Alexandra, who comes of age with the millenium. May we leave your generation a world better than the one we were given.” In the hope that they will continue and expand the quests of their parents, this minor planet is dedicated to Sasha and her contemporaries throughout the world. (M 12459) _ _.