Asteroids named after scientists to recognise work

Two asteroids have been named after planetary scientists in recognition of their contributions to space research.

Dr Beatriz Sánchez-Cano and Dr Daniel Sheward, from the University of Leicester and Space Park Leicester, received the "incredible honour" from the International Astronomical Union.

Asteroid 20685 Sánchez-Cano recognises Sánchez-Cano's work on space weather and planetary atmospheres, and Asteroid 20713 Sheward celebrates Sheward's study into meteoroid impacts on the Moon.

A university director said it was one of the "most prestigious forms of recognition" in the field of astronomy as the name becomes "permanently associated with the Solar System".

The celestial bodies are positioned in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroid 20685 Sánchez-Cano measures about 4.7km (2.9 miles) across and takes just over four years to orbit the Sun.

Meanwhile, Asteroid 20713 Sheward is larger, at 20.7km (12.8 miles) wide, taking five and a half years to complete its orbit.

Sánchez-Cano researched planetary ionospheres, solar wind interactions and heliophysics, and work on comet-planet interactions and space weather on small bodies throughout the Solar System.

Sheward analysed hypervelocity impacts on the lunar surface in order to characterise the Earth-Moon meteoroid environment and impact rates on the Moon.

Prof Leigh Fletcher, director of research at the university's school of physics and astronomy, said: "We're thrilled that Beatriz and Daniel have received this incredible honour.

"Naming an asteroid after a scientist is seen as one of the most prestigious forms of recognition in the field of astronomy because the name becomes permanently associated with the Solar System.

"That means that Asteroid 20685 Sánchez-Cano and Asteroid 20713 Sheward will be lasting tributes to Beatriz and Daniel, who have dedicated their careers to understanding the space environments of planets and other bodies throughout the Solar System."

The pair join two other scientists from the department, Dr Chrysa Avdellidou and Prof Suzie Imber, who had asteroids named after them in 2021.

Prof Fletcher added the recognition was "exceptionally rare", which showed the "international impact" of Leicester's space research.

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