AWB Nigeria members, Mrs. Joy Olayiwola and Mr. Uche Chukwu have recorded a milestone achievement with their immense contributions that led to the discovery of the Asteroid 2021-RZ190 which is considered as the most eccentric when compared to other discoveries by African teams.

This notable feat was achieved under the auspices of Astronomy Without Borders (AWB), in collaboration with the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) with the aim of conducting worldwide ground and Space based surveys that are geared towards tracking and periodic studies of minor planet bodies.

Olayiwola who explained in an interview that the Asteroid found was a near-earth asteroid (NEA), which might pose a danger to other planets especially Earth if it veers off its orbit, added that, the leading astronomy bodies such as the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), have surveys all around the world to track these asteroids.

She further explained that lots of data collected every day during these activities are made available by IAU to people who are passionate about space technology like herself. These images are later analyzed and whatever is discovered is credited to the researcher and also the discoverer gets the privilege of naming the asteroid after seven to eight years from the discovery date.

Olayiwola noted that independent research from both renowned and amateur researchers is instrumental in supporting the international community, thereby helping to keep the planet safe.

She however urged relevant authourities to invest and encourage the development of Space research especially those with passion for Astronomy and Space Science, adding that those with such interests should remain motivated against all odds and pursue professions in space research.

According to reports, eleven Nigerians have so far discovered three Asteroids in the history of space Astronomy.

On Friday, 6th May, 2022 AWB Nigeria in collaboration with Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja organized a STEM outreach at the school. The event, which had in attendance, the Director of Education and Public Engagement of the Associated Universities Incorporated (AUI), Dr Timothy Spuck was the Guest speaker. De Spuck manages the development and implementation of innovative STEM education efforts at the AUI.
The event started with a tour of the school campus by the Guest Speaker and the AWB team. Dr Spuck gave a talk on Career Opportunities in STEM. He commended the school and teachers especially for raising complete students in terms of the various exposure to Tech, arts and sports. He sensitized the kids on how to actualize their dreams in the nearest future. The students also had the opportunity to ask questions about STEM in general.
Dr Spuck was taken through the display of the various tech projects by the students of Premiere Academy, the visiting team was greatly impressed. The meeting ended with a tree-planting in honour of the Guest Speaker.

On the 7th of May 2022, the Astronomers Without Borders (AWB Nigeria) group held an outdoor star gazing activity to participate in marking the Global Astronomy Month ( GAM). This took place in Abuja Nigeria at the Jabi Lake Mall , a location with beautiful scenery which was very conducive for the event because it gave room for lots of people who visited the Mall to be able to participate in the star gazing event.
Many of the guests were seeing a telescope for the first time and had no idea that the moon looked quite different from how they viewed it in the sky with their plain sight. It was a moment filled with lots of “wow”s and “Aha”s. The Chairman of the Board, Astronomers Without Borders International, Mr. Tim Spuck who happened to be in Nigeria at the time also graced the event and took part in enlightening the audience abo

ut the marvels of space and the bodies/objects out there.