NCU names new asteroid after Taichung

2015/07/30

An asteroid discovered by Taoyuan City-based National Central University was named Taichung in tribute to Taiwan’s third largest metropolis and a leading city of culture.

Jointly discovered Jan. 28, 2008, by Lin Chi-sheng of NCU’s Lulin Observatory in central Taiwan, and Ye Quanzhi from mainland China, Asteroid 300892 Taichung is located between Mars and Jupiter. It measures 4 kilometers in diameter and takes roughly 5.49 years to orbit the sun.

The object was officially recognized by International Astronomical Union Committee on Small Body Nomenclature in early 2012, with its name later published on the website of Minor Planet Center.

“Whenever a celestial body is discovered, it represents a footnote by its discoverers in the universe,” Lin said. “While it takes tremendous time and patience when it comes to stellar observation, new findings make all the efforts worthwhile.”

Lin said he named the asteroid after Taichung because of a special bond he enjoys with the central Taiwan city after living there for more than 30 years.

In response, Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung said the city is honored by the naming, and the local government will do more to promote astronomy education among residents.

According to NCU, Taiwan is a leader in Asia when it comes to asteroid discovery. The university has made more than 800 findings under its Sky Survey Project, with 27 officially recognized.

Taichung can be observed using a powerful telescope from now until the end of November. It is among 10 named after a city or county in Taiwan, with the first Asteroid 147918 Chiayi in 2007.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233127&ctNode=413)