ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES AS ASTEROIDS ARE NAMED AFTER ASTRONOMERS – Astronotes

Main astronomical analysis and schooling centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has introduced that two of its Visiting Astronomers, Aswin Sekhar and Galin Borisov, have had asteroids named after them by the Worldwide Astronomical Union on June twenty first.

The honours had been bestowed throughout the Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Convention 2023, which was held in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA final month.

Paris – based mostly, Indian – born astronomer, Aswin Sekhar, was a PhD pupil at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium from 2010 till 2014 and labored with the organisation’s Dr. David Asher.He has been introduced as a namesake for the Aswinskekhar asteroid, which lies in the principle asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. He acquired the accolade for his contributions to the sector of meteors in meteoroid stream dynamics.

Visiting Astronomer at AOP, Aswin Sekhar

Bulgarian astronomer, Galin Borisov, was previously a postdoctoral fellow at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium from 2015 till 2021, when he labored with the organisation’s Dr. Apostolos Christou.

Galin has had the Galinborisov asteroid named after him for his work, which has included the characterization of asteroids utilizing polarimetric, spectroscopic, and photometric observations.

Astronomer Aswin Sekhar, says, “I’m delighted to obtain this accolade from the Worldwide Astronomical Union. My asteroid has an unusually excessive eccentricity in comparison with most asteroids in the principle belt which I really feel fairly matches my persona!”

The Aswinskekhar and Galinborisov are the twenty third and twenty fourth asteroids awarded to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s visiting astronomers.

Galin Borisov

‘Visiting Astronomer’ is an honorary appointment bestowed by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on scientists, who’re, mostly, former members of the organisation, and who actively collaborate with it on analysis initiatives.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is sited in a heritage atmosphere with a wealthy scientific historical past. The organisation delivers internationally recognised analysis in astronomy and associated sciences and vibrant academic and outreach programmes for all ages.

Professor Michael Burton, Director of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium feedback, “We’re honoured that the Worldwide Astronomical Union has chosen to acknowledge Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s longstanding contribution to Photo voltaic System analysis and want to congratulate each Aswin and Galin on the receipt of those accolades.

“Our observatory is the longest repeatedly working astronomical analysis institute in the UK and Eire, and our planetarium is the oldest in operation throughout the identical areas. As such, we’re proud to function on the forefront of astronomy.

“There at the moment are 24 asteroids whose naming entails a reference to the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and we hope to proceed this custom.  It’s fantastic that we’re capable of present all their orbits on our Planetarium dome throughout our star Dome Exhibits.”

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