Threats from the Cosmos

Posted on 02/07/2021 by Sophie Bartlett

By Mika Wawerzonnek

Mika Wawerzonnek, A 17-year-old 11th grade student studying at Ratsgymnasium Münster in Germany has been using the telescope network to complete his term paper (German: “Facharbeit”). The title of Mika’s paper translates to “Identification, Confirmation and Trajectory Tracking of Near-Earth Objects – Threats from the Cosmos”.

As part of his project, Mika has had intense involvement in the discovery of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). Mika completed his observations using the Faulkes Telescopes and LCO network and analysed his observations using Astrometrica, a software which focuses on measuring small bodies in our Solar System, such as asteroids, comets and dwarf planets.

Mika then submitted his data to the Minor Planet Center (MPC) that is part of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The MPC publishes a Near-Earth Object Confirmation Page and a Possible Comet Confirmation Page. Mika selected objects from these pages that were waiting to be confirmed as an NEO or discarded as a false report.

Throughout the duration of his project, Mika submitted approximately 30 MPC reports, 14 of which were confirmed as NEOs and Mika was mentioned in the Minor Planet Electronic Circulars that list the first observers who confirm the object until an official designation is assigned by the MPC. A list of the MPECs that Mika contributed to is provided at the end of this article.

Mika’s paper and numerous observations were invaluable, expanding the MPC data pool and assisting in making accurate predictions of orbits, thus helping to direct potentially dangerous objects.

Paul Breitenstein, one of Mika’s mentors commented: “Nowhere is it quicker and more impressive to see that space is dynamic than when observing asteroids and comets. With his work, Mika was able to actively participate in clearing the pathways of two minor planets, which were temporarily on the ESA’s Risk List.”

The fantastic report has been nominated for the Dr Hans Riegel Competition that aims to honours scientific work completed by upper secondary school students. Good luck, Mika!

Posted in News, Observing, Schools, Showcase

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Threats from the Cosmos