Named in honor of Jack Caister Bennett {1914–1990}, prominent South African amateur astronomer. Jack Bennett’s interest in comets developed from stories told by his mother about seeing Halley’s comet in 1910. His dedication to comet searching resulted in an excellent catalogue of southern comet-like objects, discovery of the bright comet 1970 II and also 1974 XV. During routine comet searches he discovered the bright supernova 1968l in M83. His interests covered a wide range from involvement in Moonwatch to holding many posts within the South African Astronomical Society, including its presidency. The sight of 1970 II was one of the first and most spectacular astronomical observations made by the discoverer of this minor planet. (M 14972) _ _.