CITIZEN SCIENCE
AIASC: A Collaborative Effort Between Space Foundation, IASC, and NASA
The All India Asteroid Search Campaign is conducted by Space Foundation in collaboration with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA citizen science project.
1. Role of Space Foundation
Space Foundation is responsible for organizing the campaign in India, providing participants with training, tools, and data to analyze asteroid images.
2. International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) and NASA’s Role
IASC, an initiative led by Dr. Patrick Miller of Hardin-Simmons University, provides astronomical data from NASA-funded telescopes. AIASC participants receive high-resolution images to analyze and report potential asteroid discoveries.
Participation and How Students Can Get Involved
1. Who Can Participate?
- School and college students interested in astronomy.
- Amateur astronomers looking to contribute to scientific research.
- Teams of two who undergo specialized training.
2. Registration and Training
- Participants register through the official AIASC portal.
- They receive training on asteroid detection software, such as Astrometrica.
- The program includes workshops on data analysis and asteroid tracking.
How Asteroids Are Discovered: Tools and Techniques
1. Data Analysis and Image Processing
Participants receive sequential images of the night sky and use software tools like:
- Astrometrica: A powerful tool for tracking asteroid movement.
- NASA’s Asteroid Database: Cross-referencing known asteroids to confirm new discoveries.
2. Reporting and Validation
Once a potential asteroid is identified:
- Observations are documented and submitted to IASC.
- NASA scientists verify the data to confirm the discovery.
- The asteroid may receive a provisional designation and eventually be named if its orbit is consistently tracked.
AIASC Achievements: Asteroid Discoveries by Indian Students
1. Notable Discoveries by AIASC Participants
Over the years, AIASC has resulted in:
- 80+ provisional asteroid discoveries.
- 2 numbered asteroids officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
- 11,560 preliminary asteroid detections, awaiting further confirmation.
2. Recent Success Stories in India
School Students Discover 18 New Asteroids (2020)
- 150 students across India participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project, organized by STEM & Space in collaboration with IASC.
- The students’ discoveries were recognized by IAU and added to the Minor Planet Catalog.
- Source: Tribune India
Indian Schoolgirls Discover Earth-Bound Asteroid (2020)
- Two teenage girls from India discovered an asteroid slowly shifting towards Earth.
- Source: BBC News
Pune Students Discover Six Asteroids (2021)
- Two students from Pune, Maharashtra, discovered six preliminary asteroids as part of the Kalam Centre Asteroid Search Campaign.
- Source: The Hindu
NASA Recognizes Karnal Student for Asteroid Discovery (2024)
- Diksha, a Class 11 student from Karnal, Haryana, was recognized by NASA for discovering a Main Belt Asteroid.
- Source: Times of India
Future of AIASC and Asteroid Research
1. Expansion and Inclusivity
- AIASC aims to increase outreach to rural schools and colleges.
- Plans to introduce AI and machine learning for faster asteroid identification.
2. International Collaborations
- Expanding partnerships with NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
- Encouraging global participation in asteroid discovery campaigns.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of Astronomers
The All India Asteroid Search Campaign is a testament to the power of citizen science and the potential of young minds in astronomical research. As AIASC continues to inspire and educate, it is shaping the future of space exploration in India and beyond.
With every asteroid discovery, a student takes a step closer to unlocking the secrets of the universe. Whether for scientific research, planetary defense, or future space mining, AIASC ensures that India’s youth remain at the forefront of global space exploration.
Want to be part of the next big asteroid discovery?
Visit Space Foundation and IASC to learn more about how you can participate in AIASC!
