A Scientific Miracle from Türkiye: Discovery of a New Asteroid with BİLSEMDüzce
Carried out in international cooperation with IAU and NASA International Asteroid Search Campaign Within the framework of the Düzce BİLSEM student, young minds and teachers from all over Türkiye wrote an epic hidden in the depths of space. Omer Selim Esen and Science Teacher Ayşe Karaul Arslan, has detected a previously undiscovered asteroid in orbit between Jupiter and Mars. This extraordinary discovery It became official after 4 years left his mark on science and education.
Registration of the asteroid, along with its inclusion on the NASA JPL and IAU Minor Planet Center lists, is the culmination of a vibrant observational process, symbolizing the transformation of a young student's curiosity into an institutional success. In this article, we detail the processes behind the discovery, the team's motivation, and its impact on science education in Türkiye.
Origin of the Project and Sequence of Discovery
This success, Opening the door to space science for humanity It is one of the brightest examples of the long march of the campaign carried out with the aim of Astro Information Program It has been integrated into the classroom and transformed into a dynamic exploration process. Students experience the concept of asteroid hunting within the classroom. curiosity-driven learning adopted the approach. In this process Omer Selim Esen and his friends, thinking like astronauts, solved the secrets behind the stars and finally an object emerged that was verified step by step.
The asteroid March 15, 2021 has passed the preliminary examination and September 2024Teacher Ayşe Karaul Arslan, noting that the project was officially officially launched in , said, "This is a first in Türkiye. With the support of the Asteroid Explorer Team, the name 'BİLSEMDüzce' was published by the IAU Minor Planet Center and NASA JPL." This statement symbolizes how scientific curiosity in Türkiye is being represented on the global stage.
Naming and Reasons for Naming
Name of the asteroid While being selected, BİLSEM's purpose of existence and the scientific potential of the country were highlighted.We brought BİLSEM to the forefront and added Düzce because it reflects the very purpose of BİLSEM. We chose this name to demonstrate to all of Türkiye that we are leaders in science.The naming decision, explained as "strengthened the prestige of the national scientific heritage and educational institutions. This approach, scientific identity ve public awareness It also sets an example in terms of.
Students and Teachers of Discovery
Esen As a 10th-grade student, she notes that the identification process was a long and patient one: “We conducted the study in 2021. Three years have passed, and we were very surprised when the news came. I'm very excited and strange.” This sentence clearly demonstrates the young people's dedication to scientific journeys and the results of their patience. Her family's pride also stands out as a part of this success.
Specially FATHER Burçin Esen The sentiments expressed by the author are as follows: "The project was carried out during the pandemic, and there was a waiting period. Four years later, we received the news from our teacher Ayşe. We were very surprised and happy. Now, thanks to our son and his teacher, an asteroid in the sky is known." This trust and feedback mechanism demonstrates how vital it is for young scientists to receive social support.
The Path to Officialdom and International Influences
The asteroid IAU Minor Planet Center ve NASA JPL Its inclusion in the lists is recorded as a step towards an international standard and strengthening the astronomical record. In this process, Explorer Team ve If I knew The studies carried out by the team stand out as a concrete sign of how strong Türkiye's scientific infrastructure is.
Türkiye's Contribution to Science Education
This discovery is not only named after an asteroid, but also encouraging scientific curiosity, showing young people scientific career paths ve Strengthening the bond between educational institutions and society The project is also of great importance for to STEM education while supporting investments in students critical thinking ve problem solving He strengthened his skills. This success will inspire Türkiye to take greater steps in the fields of space and astronomy in the future.
Current Observations and Monitoring
The asteroid's movements are currently being monitored live, beginning a continuous monitoring process for the scientific community. Live data from NASA JPL and the IAU Minor Planet Center serves as a critical guide for the teams closely monitoring this object. The resulting findings will enable the updating of both scientific articles and educational materials.
Hopes for the Future
This success, student-centered learning, teacher leadership ve social support It stands out as a turning point in the triangle. This project, which sets a precedent for OKS and STEM programs across Türkiye, will deepen the understanding of future young scientists and enhance the quality of international collaborations. Such studies will continue to serve as a springboard for young people pursuing scientific careers and will add new stars to the country's space science ecosystem.
