Daksh Malik, a 14-year-old student from Noida, has etched his name in astronomical history by discovering a provisional asteroid now designated as 2023 OG40 through NASA’s citizen science programs. This extraordinary achievement not only spotlights India’s rising talent in space exploration but also underscores the transformative role of accessible STEM initiatives in nurturing young scientists.
The Journey of a Teenage Astronomer
Daksh’s fascination with space began in childhood, fuelled by documentaries on National Geographic and his school’s astronomy club. His curiosity evolved into action when Shiv Nadar School’s astronomy club offered students a chance to join the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP) in 2022. Over the next 18 months, Daksh and two classmates immersed themselves in asteroid hunting using NASA-affiliated tools.
Key milestones in his journey:
- Training with Astrometrica: They learnt to analyse telescope data from Hawaii’s Pan-STARRS observatories using specialised software to identify moving celestial objects.
- Six preliminary detections: After multiple attempts, Daksh submitted six potential asteroid candidates.
- NASA confirmation: In early 2025, NASA recognised one detection—2023 OG40—as a provisional Main Belt Asteroid discovery.
“I felt like I was working at NASA,” Daksh remarked, describing the thrill of sifting through cosmic data.
How Citizen Science Powers Asteroid Discovery
Daksh’s achievement is part of NASA’s broader effort to democratise space research through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). This program enables students and amateur astronomers worldwide to contribute to asteroid detection using raw telescope data.
The IASC process simplified:
- Data access: Participants receive datasets from observatories like Pan-STARRS.
- Software analysis: Using tools like Astrometrica, they identify moving objects against star fields.
- Submission and verification: Potential discoveries undergo NASA’s rigorous review before confirmation.
Over 6,000 global participants join annually, but only a handful achieve discoveries. Daksh joins five other Indian students who’ve named asteroids through this initiative.
Why Does Asteroid Research Matter?
Asteroids like 2023 OG40 are cosmic time capsules. As remnants of the early solar system, they offer clues about planetary formation and the origins of life’s building blocks.
Key scientific insights from asteroids:
Aspect | Significance |
Planetary Formation | Reveal the primordial materials that shaped Earth and other planets. |
Life’s Origins | May have delivered water and organic molecules to early Earth. |
Planetary Defence | Tracking near-Earth asteroids helps mitigate collision risks. |
NASA’s provisional designation (2023 OG40) reflects the year of discovery. Once verified—a 4–5 year process—Daksh will propose a permanent name, with options like “Destroyer of the World” or “Countdown” on his mind.27.
The Road Ahead: From Noida to the Stars
While NASA completes validations, Daksh’s story has already ignited inspiration across India’s student community. His school’s proactive astronomy programs and access to global collaborations like IASC demonstrate how institutional support can unlock young potential.37.
Impact of Daksh’s achievement:
- Elevating India’s STEM profile: Highlights the country’s growing contributions to space science.
- Democratising astronomy: Shows how citizen science bridges gaps between classrooms and cutting-edge research.
- Youth empowerment: Encourages students to pursue space science despite perceived barriers.
“Being recognised by NASA is a dream come true,” Daksh shared, reflecting on his journey from stargazing teen to asteroid discoverer.
How You Can Discover an Asteroid?
Are you someone inspired by Daksh? Here’s how to start your own asteroid hunt:
- Join citizen science programs: Enrol in IASC or NASA’s Asteroid Grand Challenge.
- Master the tools: Learn software like Astrometrica through workshops or online tutorials.
- Analyse data: Scrutinise telescope datasets for moving objects with consistent trajectories.
- Submit findings: Collaborate with mentors to validate and report discoveries.
Conclusion: A New Era of Young Explorers
Daksh Malik’s asteroid discovery is more than a personal triumph—it’s a beacon for aspiring scientists worldwide. By blending passion with accessible technology, today’s youth are redefining humanity’s reach into the cosmos. As 2023 OG40 awaits its official name, Daksh’s story reminds us that the universe isn’t just for professional astronomers; it’s a playground for curious minds daring to explore.
“The sky is not the limit—it’s the beginning.”
