Dr Kazimieras Černis of the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, who has named about 200 asteroids throughout his career, has received exceptional recognition – a celestial body has been named after him. A Spanish and Venezuelan astronomer and asteroid researcher, Professor Orlando Naranjo, named an asteroid he discovered after Dr Černis.
Dr Kazimieras Černis. Photo by Vilnius University.
‘It was a complete surprise to me; I couldn’t have imagined that Prof. Orlando Naranjo would name his discovered asteroid in my honour. I have met only a few astronomers throughout my life, who, like me, are looking for asteroids and comets and name them,’ said Dr Černis.
The Lithuanian astronomer says he met the Professor this year: they visited the old Vilnius University Observatory, the Observatory of Ideas, and the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory together, and are already planning cooperation in the near future.
Dr Kazimieras Černis. Photo by Vilnius University.
According to Dr Černis, the asteroid Cernis was discovered on 11 December 1998. ‘An interesting fact is that the Professor was conducting his observations in the Andes Mountains. At the time, it was a much more complex process than it is now – photographic plates were used, and the astronomer had to calculate the astrometric position of the asteroid using numerous equations, and he completed as many as seven! In addition, the Professor has discovered around 60 asteroids. I am sure that this is the result of many sleepless nights,’ said the scientist.
The asteroid Cernis was discovered at the Mérida Observatory, just off the equator, 3,600 metres above sea level. It is one of the highest-situated observatories in the world.
The new object was discovered in the morning hours, at the boundary between the constellations of the Cancer and Leo, using the 1.0/1.5m Schmidt telescope. The asteroid number is 29,692, and its temporary designation is 1998 XE97.
The asteroid is approximately 2–3km in size. It will be approaching Earth in February 2028. It will be bright and visible in Lithuania, high above the horizon in the constellation of Leo.