'Blips' led Australian backyard astronomers to a world-first planetary discovery
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- #exoplanet-research
- #planetary-ring-discovery
- Amateur astronomers in Australia discovered a planetary ring around the dwarf planet Quaoar, marking a first for amateur astronomy.
- The discovery was made in 2021 by Jonathan Bradshaw, Renato Langersek, and John Broughton through occultation observations, revealing unexpected rings.
- The trio received the Berenice and Arthur Page Medal in 2024, recognizing their contributions and excellence in amateur astronomy in Australia.
- Another medal recipient, Chris Stockdale, co-discovered exoplanets including an 'ultra-hot Neptune' and uses his telescope to validate data from NASA's TESS mission.
- Amateur astronomers play key roles in advancing science, advocating for astronomy, and fostering public engagement with the night sky.