On 07 Nov 2007, at 17:19, Richard Tenney wrote:

I probably have no idea how one goes about finding minor planets (taking lots of images and doing comparisons?)

Actually you're right (see my U-A post of a few minutes ago to Kurt).

but in this age of robotic patrols, your find is both encouraging and, as I said, impressive.

Right again. In the "olden days" (5 or 6 years ago) it was downright easy for amateurs to find new asteroids. But then the automated searches started and it got a whole lot harder. An example would be the second asteroid in my "discovery" picture. It had been discovered less than a month before I imaged it. Fortunately they missed the one right next to it that I found. So, like I said to Kurt, luck plays a big part in the process.

I'm kinda sad you sold the right to the name;

Ah, but the money went to a good cause.

asteroid Wiggins would be a-ok with me!

Actually such a rock already exists. Just Google 4099 Wiggins. But the reason for my name being applied to that particular asteroid is one I'll need to tell you in person. ;) patrick