I am delighted to be able to post the really great news that Dave McDonald of Celbridge observatory (J65) and current IFAS Chairperson has just had his second asteroid discovery officially numbered by the minor planet centre. You may of course remember that Dave's first asteroid discovery (281507) 2008 TM9 was the first asteroid discovered from these shores since (9) Metis was discovered in 1848.
Dave's second discovery was teetering on the edge of numbering for some time and some recent observations posted were enough to push it over the line. This is another great example of how Irish astronomers contribute on a very real and worthwhile level. I'm sure you will join with me to congratulate Dave on becoming the first Irish person to discover two numbered asteroids from these shores.
On a personal level I'm thrilled at this news. Congrats mate!
  