Lesotho Student Discovers Asteroid, Bridging Business and Astronomy

Rorisang Mahomo, a business management student at the University of Pretoria, discovered an asteroid in the Main Asteroid Belt. Her finding, credited to her involvement with citizen science initiatives, showcases the contributions non-STEM students can make in astronomy. The asteroid, noted as ‘2023 QY50’, is currently being verified for its official recognition.

A remarkable achievement has emerged from a final-year business management student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Rorisang Mahomo, at just 20 years old, made a significant astronomical discovery by detecting an object in the Main Asteroid Belt, positioned nearly 300 million kilometers from Earth, situated between Mars and Jupiter. Her findings have been officially documented in the Minor Planet Center database, a vital resource for planetary defense overseen by the International Astronomical Union at Harvard University.

Mahomo’s journey into the realm of astronomy began in her childhood and was revived through her involvement with the Blue Crane Space society at her university, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among students and encourages participation in astronomy, even among those not majoring in natural sciences. Her discovery not only serves as an inspiration for students from diverse academic backgrounds but also endorses the importance of citizen scientists in contributing to our understanding of near-Earth objects.

The asteroid, temporarily designated as ‘2023 QY50’, was discovered through a systematic asteroid search campaign organized by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), part of NASA’s Planetary Defense initiative. This program plays a crucial role in safeguarding Earth against potential asteroid threats. By participating in high-resolution image analysis, Mahomo successfully identified the asteroid by observing movements in the provided images using specialized software.

Mahomo expressed her excitement in discovering a celestial body, stating that the feeling was surreal at first. Her family and friends responded with immense pride and celebration upon learning of her accomplishment. Looking ahead, Mahomo intends to pursue postgraduate studies in business while maintaining her passion for astronomy, indicating her desire to continue exploring the cosmos.

Rorisang Mahomo, a business management student from Lesotho, exemplifies how passion can transcend traditional academic boundaries. Despite not being a natural sciences student, she has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy by participating in asteroid search initiatives. Her discovery illustrates the vital role that citizen scientists play in enhancing our understanding of asteroids, a subject pertinent to planetary defense and space exploration. The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where her discovery is located, holds millions of asteroids and is a critical area for astronomical research.

In summary, Rorisang Mahomo’s achievement in detecting an asteroid underscores the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and the participation of citizen scientists in astronomy. Her journey into this field reveals that academic background does not limit one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to science. Mahomo’s discovery has been acknowledged officially, and she aspires to further her studies while remaining actively engaged in astronomy, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passions regardless of academic constraints.

Original Source: www.universityworldnews.com