Oman Records New Scientific Milestone with Discovery of Two Asteroids
Muscat: An Omani astronomer at the Royal Court Affairs (RCA) Astronomical Observatory has achieved a significant scientific milestone by discovering two previously unknown asteroids in the main asteroid belt of the solar system.
The discovery was made by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Haji, as part of his participation in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a global scientific initiative sponsored by NASA and supported by leading international astronomical institutions.
Al Haji analyzed a series of deep-space images captured by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope at the Haleakalā Observatory in Hawaii, United States. The telescope is equipped with an advanced astronomical camera featuring one of the world’s largest digital sensors. Using specialized Astrometrica software, he examined four sequential images of the same region of the sky, enabling him to identify moving celestial objects that did not match any previously recorded asteroids.
Following a comprehensive verification process conducted by the IASC, the discovery of the two asteroids was officially confirmed. Al Haji was awarded preliminary discovery certificates for the objects, which have been designated 2024 WH61 and 2024 WP61.
Preliminary data indicate that asteroid 2024 WH61 orbits the Sun at a distance of approximately 2.4 astronomical units, completing one revolution every four years, while 2024 WP61 orbits at about 3.1 astronomical units with an orbital period of roughly five years. Both asteroids will remain under continuous observation for several years to accurately determine their orbital parameters before being granted permanent names.
Upon completion of this process, the discoverer will be officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and invited to propose names for the two asteroids.
Al Haji stated that the discovery was achieved through a public scientific project involving members of astronomical institutions, organizations, and students from schools and universities. The initiative aims to promote interest in astronomy, build scientific capacity, and enable participants to contribute valuable data to the global astronomical community.
He explained that participating observatories provide up to 20 image sets per month, which are analyzed and then submitted to the IASC to ensure there is no overlap with previous discoveries. He added that the verification process is lengthy and requires extensive follow-up observations, noting that the two asteroids were initially detected in November 2024, but required prolonged analysis before official confirmation.
Al Haji further revealed that he currently has 20 additional preliminary asteroid discoveries registered with the IASC that remain under review and verification.
This achievement reflects the growing role of the Royal Court Affairs Astronomical Observatory in supporting scientific research and international cooperation, reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman’s contribution to global space science and planetary defense efforts.
