Dave McDonalds asteroid discovery now numbered. (281507)

I'm absolutely delighted to tell you that Dave McDonald's first asteroid discovery has now been numbered by the minor planet center. You may remember that Dave's discovered asteroid 2008 TM9 back in October of 2008. It was big news at the time and Dave even made the front pages of the newspapers (which he graciously agreed to share with Ms.B.Spears and Ms. A.Jolie).

Anyway this months batch of minor planet circulars announces that as its orbit has now been determined to sufficient accuracy, 2009TM9 is now the numbered asteroid (281507) 2008 TM9. Dave can now lay claim to the discovery of one of three numbered asteroids discovered from these shores, and of course at the time of discovery was the first asteroid to be discovered from Ireland in over 160 years.

The numbering of this asteroid is a great tribute to the wonderful work Dave carries out in both his observatory and also as President of IFAS. You may also remember Dave's more recend discovery of a new variable star which is another tribute to his observing skill. If all that is not enough, he's not a bad bloke either:)

Anyway I'm sure you will join with me in extending heartiest congratulations to Dave on this latest development. As the discoverer of 281507, Dave will now be afforded the honour of naming this minor planet. I'm sure he already has some good ideas in this regard. I would just ask that you don't quiz Dave too much on that aspect (the naming) here as it is considered inappropriate for him to discuss this aspect in public before his submission is reviewed an published by the International Astronomical Union. However grab him at solarfest this weekend and you can badger him all you like:)

Congrats Dave, heartiest best wishes from me personally.

Dave.

PS if you want to check out the orbit of Dave's asteroid go here
www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/MPEph/MPEph.html
and put 281507 in the main text box and click 'Get Ephemerides'

Excellent stuff Dave, and many congratulations.

Another great boost for the Irish astro community.

Congratulations Dave! Like many, I'm in this hobby just for personal satisfaction, and though I dream of discovering a comet or asteroid, I'm not prepared to put in the serious work required. But, there is a hard core of really dedicated people who fully live up to the tag "amateur astronomers" and it is great to see their hard work rewarded.

Congratualations Dave! Well deserved, with all the planning and hard work to achieve
this goal.

Eamonn A

Welldone Dave, its a great tribute to all the hard work you do in the field.
The only thing amateur about your work is that you dont get paid for it !!