MUSCAT, FEB 15
In a groundbreaking achievement, Omani astro scientist Khalfan bin Hamad al Malki has become the first member of the Oman Astronomical and Space Society to make a preliminary detection of a near-Earth object (P226gRJ). His discovery has been officially recorded by Nasa, granting him the unique honour of naming the celestial body.
This recognition highlights Oman's growing presence in global space research, thanks to the continuous efforts of the Oman Astronomical and Space Society. The discovery comes as part of Nasa's ongoing mission to identify near-Earth asteroids — small, irregular, rocky objects left over from the formation of the solar system.
As a reward for his contribution, Khalfan and other participants in the project will receive an official certificate from Nasa.
The discovery was made through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a citizen science programme that distributes time-lapse images of the sky to researchers worldwide. These images allow scientists to identify and track main belt asteroids, near-Earth objects and trans-Neptunian objects.
Speaking to Observer, Dr Al Malki expressed his excitement over the achievement.
“The feeling is indescribable. Discovering a celestial body and being able to name it is an extraordinary moment. I am grateful to the Oman Astronomical and Space Society for this opportunity. Oman, God willing, will continue making significant contributions to space science.”
The IASC's Asteroid Search Campaigns enable global citizen scientists to make original astronomical discoveries. Each campaign runs for a month, during which participants analyse data and search for new asteroids.
With this latest achievement, Oman continues to carve a name for itself in the realm of space exploration, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy and space sciences.
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