Slovenian Scientist's Childhood Fascination Leads to Asteroid Naming

Dr. Rok Nežič, a scientist from Slovenia, has had an asteroid officially named after him in recognition of his contributions to astronomy. The celestial body, designated (20560) Nežič, orbits the sun within the asteroid belt.

Nežič, who works as a tours and outreach officer at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP), expressed his excitement upon learning that asteroids can be named after individuals. He described the naming as a "dream come true," a sentiment he shared with BBC News NI. "I'm not sure how to believe it myself,” he admitted.

The discovery of the asteroid itself dates back to 1999 in New Mexico, the same year Nežič, as a child in Slovenia, was captivated by astronomy. He first joined the AOP in 2015 to pursue his doctorate in space and climate physics and has remained with the institution since.

An asteroid is described as a "smallish rock in space" in comparison to planets. The official numbering of the asteroid, (20560), indicates its order of discovery. Nežič's asteroid is currently safely orbiting the Sun alongside Earth and other celestial bodies.

Nežič is one of two employees at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to have had a celestial body named in their honor, highlighting the institution's contributions to space science.