Rorisang Mahomo, a business management student from Lesotho, discovered a new asteroid named ‘2023 QY50’ while participating in an asteroid search program at the University of Pretoria. Her work demonstrates how citizen scientists can make significant contributions to astronomy and planetary defense efforts. Mahomo’s journey highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific discovery.
A remarkable achievement has emerged from the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa, where a final-year business management student, Rorisang Mahomo, has made a significant astronomical discovery. At just 20 years old, Ms. Mahomo has been credited with identifying a new object within the Main Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter, approximately 300 million kilometers from Earth. Her discovery was made possible through participation in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), which facilitates asteroid detection efforts involving citizen scientists worldwide.
The celestial body now known as ‘2023 QY50’ has been recorded in the Minor Planet Center’s database, managed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). NASA funds this vital initiative, which aims to catalogue asteroids that might pose threats to Earth. The involvement of citizen scientists, like Ms. Mahomo, is crucial in enhancing our understanding of near-Earth objects and their implications for planetary defense.
Originally from Lesotho, Ms. Mahomo developed an early interest in astronomy after a school trip to a planetarium. Her passion was reignited at university upon joining the Blue Crane Space (BCS) society, which encourages involvement from students of various academic backgrounds. This inclusive approach allows students not pursuing STEM degrees to gain valuable experience in science-related fields.
Through BCS, Mahomo participated in an Asteroid Search Campaign where she utilized high-resolution images and sophisticated software to identify potential new asteroids. In an interview, she expressed her excitement, stating, “It was a mix of excitement and disbelief. Knowing that you discovered a celestial body is a different kind of good news. It felt unreal at first.”
The success of Mahomo’s discovery demonstrates that passion and interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to significant contributions across diverse fields. She hopes to name the asteroid after herself once it is officially recognized, marking a personal milestone in her career. Additionally, she plans to pursue postgraduate studies in business while remaining actively engaged in astronomy as a hobby.
The discovery of asteroids has profound implications for planetary defense and our understanding of the solar system. The Main Asteroid Belt, situated between Mars and Jupiter, consists of numerous celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. The work of organizations like the Minor Planet Center, funded by NASA, is essential in tracking these asteroids to ensure that potential threats to Earth are monitored and assessed. The increasing engagement of citizen scientists in astronomical research has expanded the scope of asteroid detection programs, making significant discoveries possible even for those outside traditional scientific fields. In this case, Ms. Mahomo’s journey reflects how enthusiasm, curiosity, and collaboration can bridge gaps between business studies and astronomy.
Rorisang Mahomo’s discovery of asteroid ‘2023 QY50’ from the University of Pretoria signifies a remarkable intersection of business studies and planetary research, showcasing the potential of citizen scientists in contributing to astronomical achievements. Her initiative not only underscores the importance of interdisciplinary engagement but also inspires others to pursue their passions regardless of their academic backgrounds. As further observations are made and eventually confirm her find, she looks forward to officially naming the asteroid, a fitting tribute to her journey thus far.
Original Source: www.universityworldnews.com
