Asteroids to be named after two Northern Ireland astronomers

Asteroids will be named after two astronomers working at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in recognition of their contributions to space observation.

Meteorological officer Shane Kelly and tours and outreach officer Dr Rok Nezic join the likes of Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Mozart, Elvis, the Beatles and Freddie Mercury, who have all had small celestial bodies named in their honour.

There are approximately 25,000 asteroids officially named in tribute to both people and fictional characters.

The naming process is governed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which ensures the selections are appropriate and follow specific guidelines.

Armagh Planetarium (Alamy/PA)

Speaking about his asteroid (20560) Nezic, Dr Nezic said he feels “very privileged to be honoured in this way”.

“Put in simple terms, an asteroid is a big rock floating in space,” he explained.

“Both of our asteroids are estimated to be over 10km in size, which is reasonably large, but you would still need a very large telescope to see them as they are out in the asteroid belt.”

A Slovenian national, Dr Nezic has been a familiar face at the Armagh Planetarium for over a decade.

His expertise in space science, coupled with his recent asteroid honour, has been featured in Slovenian national media and shared by the UK Embassy in Ljubljana.

“I started in Armagh with my PhD and I’ve been working with the planetarium full-time since finishing my doctorate in 2020,” he said.

“Space was one of the things that fascinated me growing up, and now it’s the foundation of my career.”

Mr Kelly has been the principal meteorological observer at the observatory for the last 27 years, which earned him the asteroid nomination.

The role involves taking weather readings and training assistant meteorological observers.

The observatory and planetarium has maintained daily readings since July 14 1795.

Mr Kelly’s asteroid is known as (7050) Shanekelly.

He said: “I’m delighted to be honoured in this way as it not only reflects on my role and contribution but it also honours the many people who have undertaken the weather readings since that first day back in July 1795.

“When I look back over the long list of people who have taken weather readings, I can see that the past and present is a continuum and the current is the result of everything that came before.

“I hope that the readings continue to be taken and this long-term climate archive continues ad infinitum.”

Prof Marc Sarzi, head of research at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said: “We are delighted to hear that Shane and Rok have asteroids named after them and this is quite fitting considering that we run a frontline research programme in solar system studies.”