Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School in Noida, has discovered a new asteroid called “2023 OG40.” This astonishing feat was accomplished as part of the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP), a joint effort with NASA’s International Astronomical Search Collaboration. When NASA finishes its verification process, which might take up to five years, Daksh will have the unique honour of naming the asteroid.
Daksh’s interest in space began early, fuelled by documentaries on planets and the solar system. Speaking with The Print, he stated, “This is like a dream come true.” His interest in asteroid hunting began in 2022, when his school’s astronomy club exposed students to the IADP, a project run by STEM & Space in collaboration with IASC. Over 6,000 people join the program each year, but only a few, like Daksh, succeed in detecting new asteroids.
Daksh is now one of six Indian students to have reached this milestone, demonstrating the expanding commitment of young Indians to space science. His feat demonstrates the potential of student-led space exploration efforts, inspiring numerous more to follow their passion in astronomy.
As the world awaits NASA’s final verification, Daksh Malik’s story is a glorious moment for India.