Teens fascinated by telescopes have found asteroid and comet. Let's read how they did it
Name: Shubham Sharma
School: DAV Centenary School
Discovery: Asteroid
The discovery: I used a special software astrometrica to track the moving objects provided by telescopes-based in the US. While tracking such objects, I tabbed these two objects, which looked like asteroids. I informed the IASC.
The first reaction: Ecstatic! I didn’t know that my discovery will be applauded internationally.
The contribution: The main aim of tracking asteroids is to know about the impact it will have on the earth. Discovering such asteroids will in fact help the scientists to know whether they are a threat to mankind or not.
The future: I have an interest in every science subject. Initially, I wanted to join IIT. But after this feat, I am planning to pursue a course in astronomy.
Name: Mayank Sharma
School: DAV Centenary School
Discovery: asteroid
The discovery: The IASC used to capture the images from a telescope and send us those images. By a special software astronomica, I used to search the objects following the parameters. I used to do it at home from my own
computer. Me and Shubham used to prepare a joint report on our findings every day and send it to the IASC. My teacher Saluja madam helped us a lot.
The duration: I used to spend one-two hours for the whole venture. Since the campaign is still on, I am still tracking the moving objects with the hope of becoming successful about more asteroids.
The challenges: Initially, yes. The software, which we were asked to use is very difficult to operate. But once I got used to it, it became easy. We were given training by IASC to run this.
The future: To join the NASA. The NASA conducts an exam for astronomy and I will definitely be a part of it and make my country proud.
Name: Prafull Sharma
School: Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar
Discovery: Comet SOHO 2333
The discovery: I analysed the data of the sun transmitted back to earth by Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The images were clicked after a regular interval. I used a particular software, which enabled me to view the pictures in quick succession after an interval of about 0.2 seconds. With loads of pictures, I found the comet that was of small in size, one pixel in the image or maybe two.
The challenges: In the beginning it seemed tough, as there were many people who are looking for a comet. There were people who would report a comet within minutes of release of the data. However, I analysed the data in jpeg format, which came around 30 minutes late than the normal data file, as I was comfortable with the jpeg format.
The duration: I joined the project in January, 2012. I took the project seriously in March after my class XIth exams. Devoting 20 minutes before going to school led me to this discovery.
The inspiration: I knew about comets since childhood, but I gained some bulky knowledge during a session on Comets in the SPACE module. I finally decided that 2012 should be the year when I discover my first comet. I was introduced to Sungrazer project by the famous comet hunter Terry Lovejoy.
The quest for knowledge: The search started in my school as I joined the space club. I joined the Sun Grading Project in January, following which SOHO 2333 happened.
Other interests: I have done drama performances in Shri Ram Center with NSD, Punjabi Academy. I have been a part of Delgi’s Three arts club (TAC) too.