19-Year-Old Student Discovers Two Unknown Asteroids Recognized by NASA

Ariyan Jishan Ahmed, a 19-year-old first-semester student, has discovered two previously unknown asteroids. The findings were made under an official research mission of the International Astronomical Research Collaboration (IASC). His work has now been recognised by NASA. Ahmed, a Computer Science and Engineering student at the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), analysed observational data from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS). This telescope network, operated by the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy in partnership with NASA, provided the data for his research.

The two asteroids, named 2024 VE8 and 2024 VC23, were found in the Main Belt—a region located between Mars and Jupiter. Ahmed's discovery is notable as no other student or young researcher under 25 has officially identified a Main Belt asteroid in the last five years, according to International Astronomical Union (IAU) records.

A resident of Rangia Ward No. 3, Ahmed is the eldest son of Mirazul Islam, Principal of Jaintipur Yogeshwar Vidyapeeth, and Ruma Nazrin. His findings contribute to ongoing studies on solar system formation and the long-term tracking of celestial objects. The discovery marks a rare achievement for a student researcher. Ahmed's work not only expands the catalogue of known asteroids but also supports scientific efforts to map and monitor objects in the Main Belt. NASA's recognition further highlights the significance of his contributions.