‘Rok’ solid recognition for Slovenian space scientist
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun; most are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They range in size, and a name is an official way to recognise a person’s contribution or connection to astronomy.
Rok Nežič is a Slovenian space scientist and outreach officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland. His PhD supervisor and a former Armagh astronomer nominated him for the honour, reflecting his work and longstanding interest in astronomy.
A colleague, weather observer Shane Kelly, has also had an asteroid named after him. The recognitions link the observatory’s scientific and public engagement work with objects that travel through the Solar System.