12-Year-Old Canadian Student Discovers Two Possible New Asteroids

Young Astronomer Siddharth Patel Spots Preliminary Asteroids Using Citizen Science Data

Siddharth Patel, a 12-year-old student from London, Ontario, has achieved a remarkable feat in amateur astronomy, potentially becoming one of the youngest Canadians ever to discover an asteroid. Using specialized software to analyze publicly available telescopic data, Patel identified two celestial objects that have been designated as Preliminary Observations (P.O.) for potential new asteroids.

This significant discovery was made through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a citizen science program that provides high-quality astronomical data to volunteers globally, allowing them to contribute directly to space research.

The Process: Analyzing Data from the Pan-STARRS Telescope

Patel’s success underscores the power of citizen science initiatives in expanding our knowledge of the solar system. The data he analyzed originated from the Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) telescope, located in Hawaii. Pan-STARRS is a powerful system designed to survey the entire sky, searching for moving objects, including Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

Participants in the IASC program, like Patel, receive image sets captured by powerful telescopes. Their task is to meticulously examine these images for faint, moving points of light that indicate the presence of previously uncatalogued objects. Patel utilized sophisticated software tools to track the movement of these objects across sequential images, confirming their orbital paths were distinct from known stars or artifacts.

What is a Preliminary Observation?

In the world of asteroid discovery, finding a potential object is only the first step in a multi-year process. The two objects identified by Patel are currently classified as Preliminary Observations. This designation means:

• Initial Detection: The object was spotted and tracked across multiple images over a short period.
• Unconfirmed Orbit: The object’s orbit has not yet been precisely determined or confirmed by follow-up observations.
• Future Confirmation: The objects must be observed by professional astronomers over the next several years to ensure their orbits are stable and unique. If confirmed, they will receive a Provisional Designation from the Minor Planet Center (MPC), the official body responsible for cataloging minor planets, comets, and satellites.

If the objects are successfully tracked and confirmed, Patel will eventually earn the right to name the asteroids, a process that can take up to a decade.

The Impact of Citizen Science in Planetary Defense

Patel’s achievement highlights the crucial role that citizen scientists play in planetary defense and solar system mapping. While professional surveys like Pan-STARRS collect the raw data, the sheer volume of images requires human input for detailed analysis, especially for faint or fast-moving objects.

IASC is a project supported by NASA and managed by Dr. J. Patrick Miller at Hardin-Simmons University. It has successfully engaged thousands of students worldwide, leading to the discovery of numerous minor planets. By involving young people in real scientific work, these programs foster the next generation of astronomers and engineers.

“The IASC program allows students, regardless of their location or access to major observatories, to contribute meaningfully to astronomical research,” said a representative familiar with the program. “Siddharth’s discovery is a testament to the sharp eyes and dedication of our young participants.”

For a 12-year-old to navigate the complex data analysis involved in identifying these faint moving targets demonstrates a high level of technical aptitude and dedication to the field of astronomy.

Key Takeaways: What Happens Next?

Siddharth Patel’s discovery is a significant personal achievement and a win for the citizen science community. Here are the critical points and next steps for the newly identified objects:

• The Discoverer: Siddharth Patel, 12, from London, Ontario, Canada.
• The Objects: Two potential new asteroids, currently classified as Preliminary Observations.
• Confirmation Timeline: Confirmation requires years of follow-up observations by professional telescopes to calculate a precise orbit.
• Official Naming: If confirmed, Patel will be credited with the discovery and will eventually have the opportunity to propose names for the asteroids, following guidelines set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
• Program Success: The discovery reinforces the effectiveness of the IASC program in utilizing public participation to accelerate the rate of minor planet identification.

This event serves as an inspiring example of how accessible scientific discovery has become, moving beyond the confines of professional observatories and into the hands of dedicated students globally.

Conclusion

While the two potential asteroids still face a rigorous confirmation process, Siddharth Patel’s initial identification is a powerful reminder that groundbreaking scientific contributions can come from unexpected places. His work, enabled by the IASC program and the data from Pan-STARRS, provides valuable momentum to the ongoing effort to map and understand the smaller, more numerous bodies in our solar system. The astronomical community eagerly awaits the long-term tracking data that will solidify this young Canadian’s place in the history of asteroid discovery.