Named in memory of the scientist George (Georgij Antonovich) Gamow (1904-1968). His main scientific achievements include the creation of alpha and beta decay theory and the theory of the exploding Universe. Gamow was also the first to decipher the genetic code. He worked at institutions around the world, in Odessa, Leningrad, Göttingen, Copenhagen, Cambridge, as well as in the U.S. Through his popular lectures, articles and books he promoted public interest in science. In 1956 he received the Calling Prize awarded by UNESCO for the popularization of science. Name suggested by S. P. Kapitza and supported by the discoverer.