The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has bestowed a distinctive honour on Indian classical singer, Pandit Jasraj, marking a milestone in his renowned career. The Union, which is headquartered in Paris and has been safeguarding the science of astronomy since its foundation in 1919, named an asteroid after the esteemed musician. This accolade makes him the first-ever Indian musician to receive such an honor. Discovered in 2006, the asteroid falls into the category of minor planets and is identified as 2006 VP32.
The Asteroid 2006 VP32
Located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, the minor planet was discovered on November 11, 2006. The asteroid belt is known for being home to the greatest concentration of asteroids in our solar system. Situated roughly between Mars and Jupiter, it marks the dividing line between the inner rocky planets and the outer gas giants.
The Discovery by Catalina Sky Survey
The discovery of the asteroid was made possible by the Catalina Sky Survey (CSS), a project funded by NASA that aims to discover and catalog near-Earth objects (NEOs). Based out of Arizona in the United States, the survey has been instrumental in identifying asteroids and comets that orbit the sun and come close to Earth’s orbit. These Near-Earth Objects range from metres to tens of kilometers in size.
The Naming Process by IAU’s Minor Planet Centre
When a minor planet’s discovery is confirmed, it is assigned a permanent number by the IAU’s Minor Planet Centre. The asteroid named after Pandit Jasraj carries the number 300128 – his birth date in reverse order (28/01/30). This information can be found on the official website of the Minor Planet Centre.
Significant Facts about Pandit Jasraj
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Pandit Jasraj’s Speciality | Indian classical vocal music |
| Awards Received | Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and others |
About the International Astronomical Union
Established in 1919 and based in Paris, France, The International Astronomical Union’s primary mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy. In addition to research, the IAU also focuses on communication, education, and development within the field. It stands as the global authority for naming planetary features in the solar system.
