Irish astronomer discovers second asteroid

IT was a chance sighting that has earned an amateur stargazer his place in the history books.

Long-time member of Astronomy Ireland and enthusiastic astronomer David Grennan was making use of the clear skies on Sunday, March 1, when he spotted a faint object in the constellation Leo. “It was one of the best nights in some time. A really good opportunity to let go at a serious search effort,” he says.

Although it was possible that the object was already a known asteroid the Raheny man had a hunch.