Named for Isaac Newton (1643-1727), hailed by some as the greatest universal genius of all time. Newton formulated the laws of motion, with the specific application to gravitation, and is known for his 1687 publication of the Principia Mathematica. He also made seminal contributions to optics and the construction of the reflecting telescope. Newton was the last to observe, from his rooms at Trinity College, Cambridge, the great comet of 1680---the first comet to have its motion explained on gravitational principles. He also served as master of the Royal Mint in London. Named by the Small Bodies Names Committee.