Two members of staff at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have been honoured by having asteroids named after them.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has assigned the names (20560) Nezic and (7050) Shanekelly to the minor planets, recognising the contributions of Dr Rok Nezic and Shane Kelly.

Dr Nezic, tours and outreach officer at the planetarium, said he felt very privileged to be honoured in this way. He explained that an asteroid is a big rock floating in space, and that both asteroids are estimated to be over 10km in size and located in the asteroid belt.

A Slovenian national, Dr Nezic has worked at the Armagh Planetarium for over a decade, starting with a PhD and continuing full-time since 2020. He said space fascinated him growing up and is now the foundation of his career.

Shane Kelly has been principal meteorological observer at the observatory for 27 years. His role involves taking weather readings and training assistant meteorological observers. The observatory has maintained daily weather readings since July 14, 1795.

Kelly said he was delighted to be honoured and that it reflects on his role and also honours the many people who have taken weather readings since 1795. He expressed hope that the readings continue and the long-term climate archive continues indefinitely.

Prof Marc Sarzi, head of research at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said they were delighted that Shane and Rok have asteroids named after them, noting it is fitting given the institution's research programme in solar system studies.

The naming of asteroids is governed by IAU guidelines, and approximately 25,000 asteroids have been officially named in tribute to people and fictional characters.