Four Asteroids Named After NASA Volunteers

Four amateur astronomers working on NASA’s citizen science project, The Daily Minor Planet, were honored for their contributions to astronomy and planetary science by having asteroids in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter named after them. These volunteers reviewed enormous amounts of image data in search of new asteroids and served as moderators in the online “Talk” bulletin boards for the project. These newly named asteroids, (91333) Robertogorelli, (91335) Alexandrov, (91212) Virgiliogonano, and (91389) Davidsaewert were approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) this summer. 

“It was a dream since I was young, and now, it has become reality—a magnificent reality,” said Virgilio Gonano, a volunteer from Italy whose name is now on an asteroid. “I still have to get used to it and maybe I never will. I must also say thanks to my Citizen Scientist friends on Zooniverse—wonderful people who I have come to know and appreciate and who share with me the passion for astronomy and amateur research.“

“The news that an asteroid had been named after me came as a complete surprise to me,” said Roberto Gorelli, another amateur who was honored. “I dedicated this event to my parents, who worked hard to educate me and my brothers.” Roberto has participated in many other NASA citizen science projects besides The Daily Minor Planet. His favorites include Stardust@Home and Planet Hunters TESS.

Each newly named asteroid comes with a short dedication and biography of its namesake. These are listed here:.

(91333) Robertogorelli = 1999 JP2 Discovery: 1999-05-08 / CSS / Catalina / 703 Roberto Gorelli (b. 1954) is an Italian amateur astronomer.  He is a contributor to many citizen science projects focused on minor planets and he has discovered numerous asteroids.  He has also co-authored several articles and a book on medieval comets. 

(91335) Alexandrov = 1999 JT9 Discovery: 1999-05-08 / CSS / Catalina / 703 Svetoslav Alexandrov (b. 1986) is a Bulgarian plant physiologist and amateur astronomer studying the early evolution of Earth and the origins of life.  He has contributed to several citizen science projects focused on minor planets and he has discovered numerous asteroids.

(91389) Davidsaewert = 1999 JN137 Discovery: 1999-05-09 / CSS / Catalina / 703 David Saewert (b. 1959) is an American software engineer and amateur astronomer.  He has contributed to several citizen science projects focused on minor planets and he has discovered numerous asteroids.

(91212) Virgiliogonano = 1998 YQ7 Discovery: 1998-12-24 / CSS / Catalina / 703 Virgilio Gonano (b. 1978) is an Italian amateur astronomer and geologist.  He is a prolific contributor to many citizen science projects and is a co-discoverer of activity observed on many active asteroids.  He has also co-authored many articles on minor planets.

Find your own asteroid as a volunteer with The Daily Minor Planet. New data are added each day, and thousands of undiscovered asteroids await! Participation does not require citizenship in any particular country.