Science & Tech · Space · 2 hrs ago
Asteroid named Xinglong Star honored at ceremony in Hebei
A ceremony in Xinglong County in Hebei marked the asteroid’s name on October 24.
The main-belt asteroid, officially numbered (19300), was discovered in 1996 by a team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ National Astronomical Observatories using a telescope at Xinglong Observatory.
The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature approved the name in 2023.
Naming an asteroid this way gives it a permanent, internationally recognized identity that is shared by people worldwide.
The name links Xinglong County with decades of astronomical work and recognizes local efforts to protect dark skies for observation.
County officials say they plan to develop astronomy courses and science camps, with the aim of making Xinglong a study destination for students from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.
The naming ceremony for asteroid (19300) Xinglong Star was held in Xinglong County, Hebei, on October 24.
The main-belt asteroid was discovered in 1996 by a team at the National Astronomical Observatories of China using a telescope at Xinglong Observatory.
The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature approved the name in 2023.
Researchers presented the naming certificate, a bulletin and an orbital diagram at the ceremony.
Local officials said they plan to develop astronomy education and study-tour programs around the area’s astronomy resources.
- Who
- The National Astronomical Observatories of China’s Xinglong Observatory and Xinglong County jointly hosted the ceremony.
- What
- A ceremony was held to mark the naming of asteroid (19300) Xinglong Star.
- When
- October 24. The article was published on October 25, 2026.
- Where
- Xinglong County, Chengde, Hebei, China.
- Why
- The naming honors generations of researchers working at Xinglong and recognizes local efforts to protect dark-sky conditions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The National Astronomical Observatories of China’s Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program discovered the asteroid using the Schmidt telescope at Xinglong Observatory.
The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature approved the name Xinglong Star.
The naming ceremony was held in Xinglong County, Hebei.
- Asteroid designation
- (19300)
- Asteroid type
- Main-belt asteroid between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter
- Discovery year
- 1996
- Naming approval
- 2023
- Ceremony location
- Xinglong County, Chengde, Hebei
- Ceremony date
- October 24, 2026
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What people are saying
Once named, it becomes a permanent identifier shared by all humanity.
It has linked a place name and a scientific undertaking in an eternal way.
As a unique “cosmic calling card,” Xinglong Star will become a link connecting research, science education and local cultural tourism.