How You Can Join International Search For Asteroids

An asteroid search campaign is being organised by the Cosmology Education and Research Training Center (COSMOS), Mysuru, in collaboration with Hands-on Universe, India (IHOU). In this campaign, students will get to work with real data from the PanSTARRS telescope in Hawaii, United States. They will be analysing data sets of pictures and taught how to report asteroids.

There are two primary criteria that interested individuals are required to meet to participate in the asteroid search program. The first requirement is that the person should have access to a Windows laptop or personal computer. The second requirement is having an internet connection. The interested individuals should be in a team consisting of two members at the least. If someone does not have a pre-formed team, they can be put together with other participants in their area with assistance from the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC).

This international campaign for asteroid search was first started in October 2006 by the IASC. To date, 1,900 asteroids have been discovered through these campaigns. If a volunteer discovers an asteroid, his or her name will be added to the list of preliminary discoveries. After a few years of observation, if confirmed, the team can name the asteroid. 

All registrations must be done before August 5, 2023. To register you can use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXxFKm3caZuUOrhOuHrubNkH0dQFJQPxs29yVdhAz7dKHOCQ/viewform