Congratulations to Dave Grennan, who has discovered his second asteroid in the space of just a few months.
The amateur astronomer discovered this latest main-belt asteroid, called 2009 EN1, from his observatory in Raheny in Dublin.
Dave says: “Certainly discovering an asteroid was a dream in itself and now discovering two is something that I would have considered unthinkable just a few short years ago.
“It is a testament to dedication of many other amateurs that we have arrived at this point, for without the support and encouragement of many many people this would not have been possible.”
The discovery of 2009 almost didn’t happen. Dave’s setup had been out of commission for some time due to a problem with the camera, and the recent weather meant difficult visibility conditions.
“I was really only getting back up to speed in the last few weeks, and last Sunday was one of the best nights in some time and a really good opportunity to let go at a serious search effort,” he recalls.
“When I got a hit I felt full sure that this was something that would readily be identified with a known object but the more I looked the more I began to think ‘just maybe’.”
Two nights later the new object was easily picked up again despite relatively bright moonlight, and Dave was able to submit his report to the Minor Planet Centre.
Astronomy award
By day Dave works as a systems analyst for CIÉ. He has been interested in astronomy as far back as he can remember.
Last December Dave and fellow astronomer Dave McDonald – a Discover Science & Engineering Science Ambassador – were joint winners of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies “Astronomer of The Year 2008″ award.
The two Daves each discovered an asteroid within a few weeks of each other – 160 years since Andrew Graham discovered Asteroid 9 Metis in 1848 from these shores.
Michael O’Connell, IFAS Chair, says it’s a wonderful start to International Astronomy Year 2009.
“Their work is a reflection of how much amateur astronomers can contribute even in the particularly difficult weather of this year, and is a huge inspiration to us all,” he says.
Learn more
Visit the International Year of Astronomy 2009 website
Check out the discussions and latest astronomy news on IrishAstronomy.org’s online forums
Read our interview with DSE Science Ambassador Dave McDonald
