# ‘Rok’ solid recognition for Slovenian space scientist

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/rok-solid-recognition-for-slovenian-space-scientist/
- Published: 2026-11-01T06:35:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T07:38:31+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Science (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqx283v54zd6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Science, Space, Technology

## Key points

- Space scientist Rok Nežič has an asteroid named after him.
- His asteroid is 10.9km wide and was discovered in 1999.
- Armagh colleague Shane Kelly has also received the honour.

## Summary

Dr Rok Nežič, a space scientist and outreach officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has had an asteroid named after him. He says the honour feels like a dream come true, recognising his work and lifelong interest in astronomy.

The asteroid, officially named (20560) Nežič, was discovered in 1999 and is 10.9km across; it orbits the Sun in the asteroid belt. Nežič was nominated by his PhD supervisor and a former observatory astronomer. His colleague Shane Kelly, who has recorded weather observations at Armagh since 1999, has also been honoured with asteroid (7050) Shanekelly, which is 15.6km across.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.