Ariful Islam/Guwahati

Aarian Zeeshan Ahmed of Rangia in Assam’s Kamrup district has brought pride to the state after receiving special recognition from NASA for discovering two new asteroids.

But Aarian’s interest in space research does not end with asteroid discovery. He is currently working with his friend and colleague, Tanfa Yakin Nur, on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence models to study the solar cycle (Helio-Cycle) and solar storms (Helio-Solar Storms).

The research is being conducted independently, without affiliation to any institution.

Aarian Zeeshan Ahmed helps a child with his telescope

According to Aarian, “This project uses advanced technologies to understand the Sun and its impact on Earth. Our objective is to develop an advanced ‘Make in India’ system capable of forecasting space weather by using data from Indian solar observatories.”

Earlier, Aarian had participated in a special project of the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, through which he conducted the research that led to the discovery of the two asteroids. NASA has since formally recognised his efforts.

The International Astronomical Search Collaboration has provisionally designated the asteroids as 2024 VE8 and 2024 VC23. On December 17, NASA contacted Aarian and formally recognised his discoveries.

Aarian Zeeshan Ahmed with friends

NASA is now conducting an extensive study of the characteristics of the two asteroids, a process expected to take at least a year. Once the research is completed, Aarian will have the rare opportunity to give the two asteroids their final names.

A resident of Ward No. 3 in Rangia town, Aarian is the son of Mirajul Islam, principal of Jayantipur Yogeshwar Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, and Ruma Nazrin. He completed his primary and higher secondary education with distinction at Fatima Convent School in Rangia.

He is currently pursuing the first semester of a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).

In an exclusive interview with Awaz – The Voice, Aarian spoke about his fascination with astronomy.

“I have been fascinated by astronomy and the movements of celestial bodies since childhood. I experience immense joy whenever I look at the sky, and I read many books on astronomy,” he said.

Aarian Zeeshan Ahmed 

Aarian began developing a deeper interest in space science in Class VIII. While studying in Class XI, he bought his first telescope. He now owns two powerful telescopes and regularly observes the night sky from the rooftop of his home.

In 2024, he submitted his research as part of the special opportunity offered by NASA to young researchers. Following a year-long observation period, his work received the recognition.

Aarian dreams of joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and serving the country. He has already begun preparing for his goal.

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His father, Mirajul Islam, said: “It is truly a matter of pride that a boy from an ordinary family like ours, from a small place like Rangia, has achieved such a major success. I hope people will bless him so that he can establish himself as a successful astronomer in the future.”