A small asteroid has been named after [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michiel_de_Ruyter]Michiel de Ruyter[url], a famous naval hero in Dutch history. The small solar system body has a diameter of 15 kilometres and orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. The International Astronomy Union published the details in its Minor Planet Circular 61267. The honour comes in the "Year of Michiel de Ruyter". The hero, who defended the Netherlands three times against the English fleet, was born 400 years ago.