Maroc - POPDIARIES.COM - A La Une - 28/Jan 14:56

14-year-old Boy Discovers Asteroid, Gets Opportunity to Name It

A 14-year-old student from Noida, Daksh Malik, has made headlines by discovering an asteroid as part of a NASA-backed initiative. A class 9 student at Shiv Nadar School, Daksh participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IAPD), a program under the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). His discovery has been officially recognized by NASA, giving him the unique opportunity to name the asteroid once the verification process is complete. The asteroid, temporarily named “2023 OG40,” was identified in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Daksh’s discovery highlights the importance of citizen science in astronomy, inspiring young minds to contribute to space research. Speaking about his journey, Daksh shared how his childhood fascination with the night sky evolved into a deep interest in astronomy. Hours spent observing stars and planets fueled his curiosity, eventually leading him to join his school’s astronomy club. It was through an email from the club that Daksh learned about the IAPD program, which encourages students and amateur astronomers to identify new celestial bodies using telescope data from around the world. His participation in the project allowed him to explore the mysteries of space while making a significant contribution to science. Asteroids like the one Daksh discovered are remnants of the early solar system, offering valuable insights into the formation of planets. Most are located in the asteroid belt, with some, like Daksh’s find, providing unique research opportunities. Daksh’s achievement not only showcases his dedication but also emphasizes the potential of young talent in advancing space exploration. With NASA’s approval, his asteroid will soon bear a name chosen by him, leaving a lasting mark on the cosmos.