Višnjan Observatory Receives International Confirmation for the Discovery of Ten Asteroids

Višnjan Observatory has received confirmation for the discovery of ten asteroids in the Solar System, which were observed by students and mentors of the Višnjan School of Astronomy during August of this year, it was announced by the Observatory.

These smaller celestial bodies, approximately one kilometer in size, were discovered in the constellation Aquarius, using a one-meter diameter telescope from the new astronomical observatory in Tićan, it is stated.

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The Višnjan School of Astronomy was held from August 12 to 26 this year as part of the educational programs from the project “Together We Are Stronger,” and the confirmation was received from the Minor Bodies Center of the International Astronomical Union in the latest circular letter.

Of the ten new bodies in the Solar System, five were found by a group of students working on a project to monitor dangerous asteroids during the Višnjan School of Astronomy, with mentor Enrico Pettarin from Italy.

We want to share our success and satisfaction with all individuals and companies that have helped and consistently support the Višnjan Observatory and its educational and scientific programs, it is stated in the announcement delivered to Hina overnight by Korado Korlević from the Višnjan Observatory.

Once again this year, the positions of these bodies need to be measured to better determine their trajectories so they can be rediscovered and their paths accurately determined, emphasizes Korlević in the announcement, adding that none of the discovered bodies are dangerous.

The experience gained by students through direct involvement in telescope technology and scientific research will be a significant incentive in choosing careers in the fields of science and technology, he adds.

Modifications are being made to the telescope at the new observatory and equipment is being procured to provide quality support to the global community in monitoring potentially dangerous bodies over the next five years, it is stated.

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The international program Višnjan School of Astronomy has been gathering high school students with a special interest in astronomy and space sciences for over 25 years. Some of the topics include the exploration of small bodies in the Solar System, developing telescope systems, and designing planetary robots – explorers.

One of the specifics of the school is night work, during which astronomical observations are conducted. Due to the complete integration of many foreign guests, most activities are conducted in English. A total of between 5 and 20 students participate, divided into 4 to 5 working groups. Students are selected based on motivational letters, results achieved in competitions, and letters of recommendation from their teachers, it is stated.