Two Armagh Observatory Staff Have Asteroids Named After Them
The International Astronomical Union has named asteroids after Dr Rok Nežič and Shane Kelly of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, bringing its linked total to 29.
The story in focus
BBC News reports the International Astronomical Union named asteroid (20560) Nežič after Dr Rok Nežič and asteroid (7050) Shanekelly after Shane Kelly, both at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. The observatory says 29 asteroids now have connections to it.
- Asteroid (20560) Nežič is named for Dr Rok Nežič, a tours and outreach officer at AOP.
- Asteroid (7050) Shanekelly honours Shane Kelly, the observatory's principal meteorological observer.
- Nežič's asteroid is 10.9km across and was discovered in 1999; Kelly's is 15.6km and was discovered in 1982.
- The observatory says 29 asteroids now have some connection to it.
- AOP plans a new LED dome to show the asteroids and their orbits.
Naming and scale
The International Astronomical Union named the asteroids, BBC News reported. Nežič's is officially (20560) Nežič; Kelly's is (7050) Shanekelly. The smaller number indicates earlier discovery order.
Nežič said his asteroid is 10.9km across, while Kelly's is 15.6km. He noted both are large for asteroids named after people because most very large ones were found and named long ago.
Who was honoured and why
Nežič joined Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in 2015 for a doctorate in space and climate physics and now works as a tours and outreach officer. He was nominated by his PhD supervisor and a former observatory astronomer.
Kelly is principal meteorological observer. The observatory's director, Prof Michael Burton, said Kelly has recorded weather observations longer than any of his 17 predecessors. Kelly was nominated by the emeritus director.
Next milestone
Burton said 29 asteroids now have some connection with the Armagh observatory and planetarium. The institution plans a new LED dome to display the two asteroids and their orbits.
How large are the two asteroids named after Armagh staff?
Nežič's asteroid (20560) is 10.9km across and Kelly's (7050) is 15.6km, according to Nežič. He said both are large for asteroids named after people.
Sources & further reading
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