Named for the German mathematician and astronomer Erhard Weigel (1625–1699) on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his death. A lecturer at the University of Jena {see planet  (526)} beginning in 1652, his larger-than-life personality and inventive mind contributed essentially to the prominence of this university in his time. He created, for example, giant globes with diameters of several meters, in which one could set foot and admire the artificial firmament in the daytime. In 1670, his seven-storeyed dwelling-house was completed, built according to his plans and supporting an observation platform. This unusual house was one of the “ Seven Miracles of Jena”. (M 33795) _ _.