First Citizen Scientist from Lesotho Discovers Asteroid

Science and Health

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.

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For the Birds, Lyzy Lusterman of Buteo Books

Arts & Culture, Books

Lyzy Lusterman recently opened Buteo Books, where one will find one of the largest selections of new, used and rare birding books in the world.

What do you do?  

I’m a publisher and bookseller, and now the owner of this brick-and-mortar store.

Where do you live?  

San Anselmo.

How long have you lived in Marin?   

I think it adds up to over 20 years. I was born and grew up here, left for college back east and then lived in the East Bay—lucky to have moved back to my hometown about two years ago.

Where can we find you when you’re not at work? 

Birding. I love to walk, and there are so many amazing places to observe nature all over Marin. Sometimes I don’t even leave my backyard—it’s brimming with finches, titmice, towhees, scrub jays, band-tailed pigeons, juncos and more.

If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them? 

On a tour of the county’s indie bookstores. I first discovered some of my now-favorite books at Point Reyes Books and have seen some of my favorite authors speak at Book Passage.  

What’s one thing Marin is missing? 

Rent control (though a lot of good people are working hard to change that).

What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites? 

Look up. Once you start noticing birds, it’s impossible to stop. 

If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, whom would you invite? Instead of dinner, I’d ask Owl to make a pot of tear-water tea with me. Like the titular character from Arnold Lobel’s Owl at Home, I’m a quiet, sensitive creature and think we’d have a great time crying over pencils that are too short to use.

What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago? Take your time. Things will probably work out.

What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy? 

AI. The amount of capital and energy supporting robots making art when the world is full of creative people with great ideas who deserve our support is pretty cringe.

Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world? 

I hope that all of our many small things add up. This week, I’m putting water out for birds, squirrels, deer who might be struggling in the heat.

Keep up with Lusterman at @buteobooks on Instagram and TikTok and at  ButeoBooks.com. The shop is located at 2240 4th St., Suite A in San Rafael.

Nish Nadaraja can be found on Instagram at @IveGotNissues or on the mean streets of San Anselmo.