In an inspiring achievement, Daksh Malik, a 14-year-old student from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astronomy. The young boy, studying in Class 9 at Shiv Nadar School, recently identified an asteroid in space. This remarkable discovery was confirmed by NASA, who not only recognized his finding but also extended a rare honor—asking him to name the asteroid.
The asteroid, temporarily designated as “2023 OG40” based on the date and time it was observed, was identified with the help of NASA’s International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP). This initiative encourages students worldwide to engage in astronomical research by analyzing data from telescopes and potentially identifying new asteroids.
Daksh’s journey to this discovery began over a year ago when he and two of his friends joined the IADP as part of their school’s astronomy club. Through the program, students are provided with access to astronomical datasets, which they can sift through in hopes of finding new celestial objects. Daksh, assisted by his friends, used a software tool called Astronomica to analyze these datasets and found an object that seemed to be an asteroid. After verifying the find and notifying NASA, the organization confirmed the asteroid’s discovery, marking a significant moment for the young astronomer.
Daksh recalls his excitement, stating, “I felt like I was working at NASA.” His enthusiasm and persistence have not only led to an asteroid being recognized but also earned him a prestigious opportunity—to name the asteroid. Some of the potential names Daksh is considering include “Destroyer of the World” and “Countdown,” reflecting his fascination with the cosmos.
NASA’s IADP program is part of the US space agency’s broader efforts to involve young people in space science. Each year, thousands of students from across the globe participate, analyzing telescope data to find objects that could be asteroids, comets, or other celestial bodies. The program is a vital component of space education, offering students hands-on experience in real scientific research.
Asteroids, often referred to as the ancient remnants of the solar system, are invaluable to scientists. These space rocks contain clues about the early formation of our solar system and the origins of planets. The largest asteroid, Vesta, is about 329 miles in diameter, and asteroids like the one Daksh discovered are vital to expanding our knowledge of space and the history of our cosmic neighborhood.
The discovery has sparked a deeper interest in astronomy for Daksh, who is now more motivated than ever to explore the mysteries of space. This momentous achievement has not only brought him recognition but also reinforced the importance of young people participating in scientific exploration. Daksh’s discovery serves as a testament to the power of curiosity, teamwork, and the opportunities that lie in the vast reaches of space.
As NASA continues to explore the stars, it is clear that future discoveries may very well be in the hands of the next generation of young scientists like Daksh Malik.