Now Reading: 11-year-old Atharv Sood makes three preliminary asteroid detections
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11-year-old Atharv Sood makes three preliminary asteroid detections
Eleven-year-old Atharv Sood, a student at Satya School in Gurugram, has been credited with three preliminary asteroid detections as part of the All-India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC) 2026. He participated through the…
Eleven-year-old Atharv Sood, a student at Satya School in Gurugram, has been credited with three preliminary asteroid detections as part of the All-India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC) 2026. He participated through the school's Young Scientist Program and earned recognition from the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), where he was listed as a member of Team SPACE Scanners 1.
Atharv's interest in astronomy grew after his parents gifted him a telescope. He used Astrometrica software to analyse astronomical images and identify moving objects. His teacher noted his patience in revisiting images to confirm potential findings. Atharv said the recognition was rewarding but the experience sparked a stronger desire to learn about black holes, galaxy evolution, and extraterrestrial life.
His parents said they are not fixed on a career path for him. Atharv is looking forward to an upcoming visit to ISRO, planned through his school.
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Asteroid detection campaigns like AIASC give students access to real telescope data from observatories worldwide, not simulated exercises. Preliminary detections mean Atharv's candidates need confirmation through follow-up observations before earning permanent designation from the Minor Planet Center. India's asteroid search programme, run by SPACE India in partnership with IASC, has involved over 3,000 students since 2006 and produced several confirmed discoveries. Atharv's next step would be to see if his objects get verified, a process that can take months. His school's planned ISRO visit may offer exposure to India's planetary defence and space situational awareness work.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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