In an achievement that blurs the line between youthful curiosity and cosmic ambition, Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School, Noida, has captured the attention of NASA with his provisional discovery of an asteroid. The celestial body, currently identified as ‘2023 OG40’, now awaits a permanent name—a privilege entrusted to this 14-year-old whose fascination with space has propelled him beyond earthly bounds.
A Dream Written in the Stars
“This is like a dream come true,”
Daksh shared, his awe reminiscent of every child who gazes at the night sky, wondering what lies beyond. Inspired by documentaries on planets and the solar system, Daksh found himself immersed in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP)—a gateway to the cosmos.
His journey began in 2022, when the school’s astronomy club encouraged students to participate in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA-affiliated citizen science program. With this initiative, students from across the globe could join a rare league of asteroid hunters.
The Art of Discovery
For over a year, Daksh and two of his school friends pored over datasets provided by IASC. Using Astronomica software, they calibrated data, hunted for celestial objects, and observed their movements—methodical work that might sound clinical, but as Daksh put it,
“I felt like I was working at NASA.”
Their task was to identify objects with asteroid-like traits, including light emissions that fit specific parameters. What may seem like a ‘fun exercise’ was, in reality, a meticulous endeavor requiring patience, precision, and imagination.
Joining a Rare League
Daksh’s discovery places him in an exclusive group of Indian students. According to IASC, only five students from India had discovered named asteroids before him. With over 6,000 participants annually, the odds were stacked high, yet this young astronomer triumphed, proving that talent paired with opportunity can unlock extraordinary achievements.
A Cosmic Legacy in Waiting
The naming of the asteroid, however, is a waiting game. As Daksh explained, NASA will take 4-5 years to verify and complete its tests on the asteroid. When that moment arrives, Daksh plans to christen it with a name that captures the imagination. Among his whimsical ideas are ‘Destroyer of the World’ and ‘Countdown’, hinting at the vibrant creativity of a young mind grappling with the enormity of his discovery.
Inspiring a Generation
This story is not just about one boy discovering an asteroid; it is about the power of curiosity, education, and the opportunities that enable young minds to transcend limits. Through platforms like the IADP, organizations like STEM & Space and NASA have turned stargazing into a global science project, reminding us that the future of discovery belongs to those willing to look up and wonder.
Daksh Malik’s journey from the corridors of a Noida school to the annals of NASA’s records is a testament to the infinite possibilities that unfold when curiosity meets perseverance. The asteroid may take years to officially bear his chosen name, but Daksh has already etched his legacy among the stars.
