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Kenya has recorded another milestone in space science following the confirmation of a second asteroid discovery by an astrophysicist at the Kenya Space Agency (KSA).
The organization said in a statement on Wednesday that the Minor Planet Center (MPC), in cooperation with the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PAS E-LAB) and the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA partner, has officially confirmed Asteroid 2024 JJ63.
Harold Safary, an astrophysicist at the Kenya Space Agency, discovered the asteroid in 2024, making it his second confirmed asteroid discovery, a development that has raised Kenya’s profile in international astronomical research.
KSA pointed out that Mr. Safary had previously discovered Asteroid 2023 TQ159, which was also verified by the IASC.
That discovery emerged from his participation in an international asteroid search programme, where scientists analyse astronomical observation data provided to research teams worldwide.
Using Astrometrica software, Mr. Safary analysed the data, identified a moving celestial object, and compiled a detailed report that was submitted through IASC to the Minor Planet Center for verification.
Both asteroids have since been officially catalogued in the Minor Planet Center database at Harvard University, allowing scientists across the globe to track them using their assigned identification numbers.
The Kenya Space Agency says the discoveries are a testament to the country’s growing contribution to space science and astronomy, while highlighting the importance of scientific training, citizen science, and international collaboration in advancing global research.
