International body names asteroid after Indian scientist Professor Jayant Murthy in ‘rare honour’
Professor Jayant Murthy has been awarded for his work on the interstellar medium
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honoured an Indian scientist by naming an asteroid after his name. Professor Jayant Murthy has been awarded for his work on the interstellar medium, ultraviolet astronomy, and space missions. Asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy will always carry the rich legacy of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) scientist, previously named as 2005 EX296.
IAU is an international body entrusted with the job of naming small objects in the solar system. The asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy was discovered by MW Buie at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA, in 2005. It orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years
Jayant Murthy’s reaction
Jayant Murthy expressed his gratitude to the IAU as well as excitement upon hearing the news.
“I am thrilled to have an asteroid named after me, in connection with my work on the New Horizons team, led by Dr. Alan Stern," Professor Murthy said.
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About Professor Murthy
Professor Murthy concluded his tenure at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 2021 and has since been serving as an Honorary Professor. He previously assumed the role of acting director at the institute from July 2018 to October 2019.
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His scholarly achievements have significantly enhanced our understanding of the universe, particularly through his involvement with NASA's New Horizons Science Team. The team's endeavours to observe ultraviolet background radiation have played a crucial role in broadening our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Professor Murthy's invaluable contributions to the New Horizons mission included the study of ultraviolet background radiation in the outer reaches of the Solar System, where the influence of the Sun and interplanetary medium is minimal.
Launched by NASA, New Horizons captured global attention with its historic flyby of Pluto in 2015, delivering unparalleled insights and data about the dwarf planet and its satellites.
Annapurni Subramaniam, director, IIA, termed the asteroid naming “a very rare honour”. Murthy joins the ranks of previous IIA directors MK Vainu Bappu and JC Bhattacharyya, who also have asteroids named after them.
(With inputs from agencies)