For the first time, a scientist of Sri Lankan origin has received the discovery credit to an asteroid. The University of Colombo alumnus, Dr. Nalin Samarasinha and Dr. Todd Lauer discovered this asteroid in 2000. On March 21, 2022, the International Astronomical Union(IAU) officially announced this asteroid as ” Colombounilanka ” to honor the University of Colombo.
“Colombounilanka” which can only be seen with a powerful telescope is a 1-2 km size asteroid in the mid-region of the asteroid belt in our solar system. It takes 4.2 years to make a full journey around the sun.
According to Dr. Samarasinha, he decided to name that asteroid in recognition of the university’s contribution to higher education, as a tribute to his teachers at the university and for the inspiration to the next generation of students.
Captioned by: Menuka Jayalath
Designed by: Anjalee Sandathara
References:
[1] https://cmb.ac.lk/asteroid-colombounilanka/
How are asteroids named? Do all asteroids around the sun 4.2 years occur on each asteroid?
The Quadrantids (QUA) are a meteor shower that peaks in early January and whose radiant lies in the constellation BoΓΆtes.
Date of peak: January 3
Constellation: BoΓΆtes
Occurs during: December 28 β January 12
Parent body: 2003 EH1