By: Puseletso Maqoaelane
Maseru
In an unprecedented achievement, Rorisang Mahomo, a citizen scientist from Lesotho, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astronomy. The International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) has officially confirmed her identification of a new asteroid, designated 2023 QY50. The discovery is a remarkable milestone, not only for Mahomo but also for African contributions to space science.
Rorisang Mahomo, a member of BlueCraneSpace, a STEM society for students at the University of Pretoria, discovered in October 2023. As part of an international campaign led by IASC, she analyzed observational datasets using the Astrometrica program, a powerful software tool for tracking and cataloging celestial objects. Mahomo’s analysis led to the identification of the new asteroid, which was later reviewed and confirmed by the IASC.
The asteroid, now officially cataloged in Harvard’s Minor Planet Center (MPC) database, can be tracked using its unique identifier 2023 QY50. The confirmation of the discovery highlights Mahomo’s perseverance and skill and places Lesotho on the map as the first African nation to be credited with the discovery of an asteroid.
Rorisang’s journey into the world of astronomy is both inspiring and unconventional. Despite having no formal background in the field—she studied Commerce at university—Mahomo’s passion for space science led her to join BlueCraneSpace. This student-led society focuses on developing knowledge and skills related to astronomy, asteroids, and other space sciences.
“I never imagined that I would be involved in discovering an asteroid,” Mahomo reflects. “I was studying commerce and didn’t know much about astronomy or the terminology used in the field. But when I joined BlueCraneSpace, I was introduced to the necessary tools, software, and concepts, though it was initially challenging.”
Her story is one of dedication and resilience. Initially unfamiliar with astronomical terminologies and techniques, Mahomo faced steep learning curves as she got to grips with the software and the process involved in identifying asteroids. She credits the guidance and support from BlueCraneSpace, which provided her with step-by-step instructions and mentorship throughout her journey.
“Understanding the software and data analysis processes was a challenge for me, but BlueCraneSpace made sure we had the support we needed. They walked us through every step, making complex concepts more understandable,” Mahomo explains.
Her discovery is a significant contribution to the global effort in tracking near-Earth objects and identifying potential hazards in space. Citizen scientists like Mahomo play an increasingly important role in space research, using publicly available data to contribute to astronomical discoveries that professional astronomers may not have the capacity to make on their own.
The confirmation of 2023 QY50 is a testament to the growing involvement of African scientists in the field of astronomy. While countries in Africa may not yet be as established in space research as other regions, Mahomo’s achievement demonstrates the potential for scientific growth and exploration across the continent.
As Mahomo continues her studies and works on further astronomical projects, her success serves as an inspiration to young people across Africa and the world, showing that anyone, regardless of their background, can contribute to space science. Her discovery is also a powerful reminder that the future of astronomy is inclusive, diverse, and open to all who have the passion to learn and explore.
For Mahomo, this is just the beginning. With her eyes now set on more asteroid searches and space-related endeavors, she hopes her story will encourage others to dream big and pursue careers in STEM, no matter their academic background.
Through her work with BlueCraneSpace, Mahomo has become a beacon of inspiration in the African scientific community, proving that even with limited resources and formal education in the field, ordinary individuals can make extraordinary contributions to our understanding of the universe.
This post was originally published on here
