Approaching its 70th anniversary, Huazhong University of Science and Technology received a birthday gift from the universe. Approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the National Astronomical Observatories of China(CAS ) announced that the permanent designation of the asteroid coded 52487 was awarded to HUST.
On March 21st, the asteroid naming ceremony was held both online and offline. Academician Chang Jin, the director of the National Astronomical Observatories, Zhao Gang and Xue Suijian, the chief researchers of the National Astronomical Observatories, Academician Li Yuanyuan, the Chairman of the University Committee, and Ma Jianhui, the Vice Chairman of the University Committee, attended this ceremony. The relevant faculty from the School of Physics and the Office of the 70thAnniversary Celebration Events both showed up in the event. Liang Qian presided over the ceremony.
Chang Jin declared the asteroid naming communiqué and the naming certificate. Xue Suijian introduced the basic information regarding the asteroid. Chang and Li Yuanyuan jointly announced the name of the asteroid online.
The Asteroid Model
Li unveiled the asteroid model. Adopting advanced magnetic levitation and 3D printing technologies, the model was the latest work by an alumni Peng Chuyao. As one of the young start-up enrepreneurs, Li presented the model as a gift for his alma mater to celebrate HUST's 70thanniversary.
Li pointed out that it was extraordinary for HUST to be honored with an asteroid named after "Huazhongkejida" (Chinese Pinyin of HUST), on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. The asteroid would become an "eternal star" in the hearts of HUSTers, a reminder of the original mission of teaching and education. It would serve as a guide, as well as an engine, for all teachers, students, and alumni of HUST to make greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the progress of human civilization. Li hoped to regard it as an opportunity to further strengthen the collaboration between HUST and the National Astronomical Observatories in cultivating talent and scientific research, and effectively promote the development of astronomical disciplines and technological innovation.
Simulated image
Trajectory image
Asteroid Huazhongkejida (Chinese Pinyin of HUST) (1995 XO2), which was discovered on December 6th, 1995 by Zhu Jin, the former director of the National Planetarium, and his team at the Xinglong Base of the National Astronomical Observatories, orbits between Mars and Jupiter with an orbital period of 3.37 years. The number "52" echoes the founding year of HUST (1952), and the homophonic "Wu Ai" means "our love". The number "487" is consistent with the record number 10487 of HUST in the Ministry of Education.
The Asteroids are the only the celestial bodies named by their discoverers. Owning the right of naming is also considered as an international and permanent honor. The International Astronomical Union has strict rules and approval procedures for asteroid discoverers to obtain naming rights. As the asteroid naming is unique and immutable, it is a worldly recognized honor.
