Last Updated:
14-year-old Daksh from Noida has discovered an asteroid through a NASA programme and is now set to name it.
Daksh Malik, a young boy from Noida, recently discovered an asteroid.
Daksh Malik, a Grade 9 student, has made an extraordinary achievement in the field of astronomy. His persistence and dedication over the past 1.5 years have led to the official confirmation by NASA of his detection of a Main Belt Asteroid, designated ‘2023 OG40.’ As part of the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP), Daksh was one of the few young citizen scientists to detect asteroids using real astronomical data. This groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in his scientific journey but also earns him the rare honour of naming the asteroid he discovered.
In an exclusive interview with News18.com, Daksh discussed his journey to discovering the asteroid and his plans.
Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:
Q1. What inspired your journey into astronomy, and how did you discover ‘2023 OG40’?
My fascination with space began early, driven by a curiosity about the universe. I spent hours watching documentaries on space exploration, celestial bodies, and astronomical phenomena, which deepened my interest in the cosmos.
In Grade 7, my school introduced an Astronomy Club, where I joined eagerly. I participated in hands-on activities like building sundials, understanding celestial events, and observing the night sky with telescopes. These experiences laid a strong foundation in astronomy.
In late 2022, my school’s Astronomy Club introduced The International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP), a programme that allows students to analyse real astronomical data and contribute to asteroid discoveries. Motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, I joined.
I learned to use Astrometrica software to analyse images from the Pan-STARRS telescope. I scanned these images for moving objects that could be asteroids, ensuring their motion matched asteroid behaviour and analysing their luminosity. Each potential discovery required a detailed Minor Planet Centre (MPC) report.
Over 1.5 years, I participated in three asteroid search campaigns. Despite fierce global competition with over 6,500 teams, I succeeded in detecting six preliminary asteroids. My biggest breakthrough came when one detection, made during the August–September 2023 campaign, was confirmed by NASA as a Main Belt Asteroid, designated ‘2023 OG40’.
Asteroid discoveries are provisional for years, but this confirmation placed me among the few young citizen scientists to contribute to asteroid discovery. As the official discoverer, I now have the rare privilege of naming my asteroid.
Q2. You’ve been working on this for over 1.5 years. What challenges did you face during this journey, and how did you overcome them?
Over the past 1.5 years, my journey in asteroid discovery has been both challenging and rewarding. Initially, my MPC reports failed, as analysing specialised astronomical data required extreme precision. Determined to improve, I dedicated countless hours daily to meticulously examining dataset images, refining my techniques, and enhancing my observational skills. Through perseverance, my efforts began to yield results—out of numerous MPC reports submitted, six detections were confirmed as preliminary discoveries. Eventually, one of these advanced to full confirmation, marking a significant milestone in my research and reinforcing the value of persistence in scientific discovery.
Q3. What tools, techniques, or software did you use for detecting asteroids? How did you learn to navigate this technical field at such a young age?
I used Astrometrica software to analyse and detect asteroids. It was an enabling opportunity for me to explore high-quality real astronomical data and look for asteroids. I was guided by my mentors and the team from Stem & Space at the Shiv Nadar School Noida campus.
Q4. NASA has granted you the honour of naming the asteroid. Have you decided on a name, and if so, does it hold any special significance for you?
I could call it ‘Destroyer of the World’, or since it’s an asteroid, maybe ‘Countdown’ would be a catchy yet ominous-sounding name.
ALSO READ: Dreaming Of Studying At Oxford University? Here’s The Complete Guide
Q5. This is a groundbreaking achievement at your age. How do you balance your academic responsibilities and your passion for astronomy?
Balancing academics with my diverse pursuits has been possible due to the unwavering support of my school and teachers. They have consistently accommodated my endeavours by allowing early dispersals, extending assignment deadlines, and even rescheduling exams when necessary. This flexibility has been invaluable, enabling me to excel not only in my studies but also in various co-curricular activities, competitions, and research initiatives, including asteroid discovery. Their encouragement and understanding have played a crucial role in my journey, empowering me to achieve success across multiple fields that would have otherwise been far more challenging.
Q6. What’s next for you in the field of astronomy or science in general? Do you have any future goals or projects you’re excited about?
I have a keen interest in astronomy and, at the same time, an interest in the field of Law and the Judiciary. Besides astronomy, I participate in different national and international-level debate, essay, poetry writing, and quiz competitions. Recently, I won 16 medals in the prestigious “World Scholars Cup-Tournament of Champions” held at Yale University, USA. I would also continue to participate in future campaigns of IASC & IADP for asteroid and other celestial body searches. I would like to explore Law & the Judiciary as a field for the future.
