South African Student Discovers Asteroid Amidst Business Studies

Rorisang Mahomo, a business management student at the University of Pretoria, has discovered an asteroid, ‘2023 QY50,’ located in the Main Asteroid Belt. Funded by NASA, the Minor Planet Center has officially recorded this discovery, demonstrating that passion and interdisciplinary collaboration can yield remarkable contributions in astronomy. Mahomo aims to name the asteroid after herself and plans to continue her studies in business while maintaining her interest in astronomy.

A notable achievement in the realm of astronomy has been accomplished by Rorisang Mahomo, a final-year business management student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. At just 20 years old, Ms. Mahomo has detected an asteroid, designated ‘2023 QY50,’ which resides in the Main Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter, approximately 300 million kilometers from Earth. Her discovery exemplifies the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and serves as an inspiring reminder that dedication and passion can lead to remarkable contributions, regardless of one’s academic background.

The asteroid detection has been officially documented in the Minor Planet Center database of the International Astronomical Union based in Harvard University, an esteemed repository that plays a vital role in planetary defense by cataloguing asteroid sightings reported by citizen scientists. Engaging with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, Mahomo learned to analyze cosmic images and identify moving objects in space, demonstrating that individuals outside the natural sciences may still participate significantly in astronomical research.

Mahomo’s adrenaline-fueled journey began during her childhood, with a pivotal moment occurring during a visit to a planetarium that sparked her fascination with space. Her involvement in the Blue Crane Space society at the University of Pretoria, which focuses on aerospace and physics, further developed her passion and provided the necessary resources to partake in an asteroid search campaign. Despite pursuing a non-STEM degree, Mahomo states, “Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions, no matter what you’re studying.”

The actual process of discovering the asteroid involved meticulous observation of high-resolution images provided by NASA’s Panoramic Survey Telescope. Students like Mahomo employed software to detect any potential movements indicative of an asteroid. Despite challenges, she felt akin to a detective on a crucial mission.

As a result of her findings, Mahomo now anticipates future follow-up observations to confirm the asteroid’s orbit and gather additional data, with hopes of naming it after herself in recognition of her significant achievement. Though she intends to pursue further education in business with a focus on entrepreneurship, Mahomo aims to retain her commitment to astronomy as a beloved hobby, suggesting that amalgamating distinct interests could be rewarding.

The acknowledgment of her discovery not only honors her individual accomplishments but also elevates the profile of Lesotho within the global astronomical community, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their primary field of study, can achieve extraordinary feats in areas traditionally dominated by natural sciences.

The discovery of asteroids and other celestial bodies plays a crucial role in understanding our solar system and in planetary defense against potential threats. Citizen scientists, such as Rorisang Mahomo, contribute significantly to this field, showcasing that involvement in scientific discovery can be made by individuals from various academic disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. NASA and the International Astronomical Union work together to catalog and monitor potential asteroids through initiatives like the Minor Planet Center and the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, enabling public engagement in astronomical research.

Rorisang Mahomo’s asteroid detection serves as a compelling example of how passion and collaboration across diverse fields can lead to significant scientific contributions. The journey not only highlights the intersection between business and science but also reinforces the notion that individuals from all backgrounds can pursue their interests in astronomy. Mahomo’s future aspirations embody a blend of her academic pursuits in business and her love for space exploration, inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of preconceived boundaries.

Original Source: www.universityworldnews.com