Two Brazilian Women Have Asteroids Named in Their Honor
International Astronomical Union approves names recognizing their contributions to science and citizen astronomy
SCIENCE
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Imagine having your name travel through space. Two Brazilian women just achieved exactly that. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) — the global authority responsible for naming celestial bodies — officially approved the naming of two asteroids after a young astronomy prodigy and a leading educator in citizen science.
The Only Two Brazilian Women With Officially Named Asteroids
The honorees are Nicole Oliveira, widely known as “Nicolinha,” the youngest astronomer in Brazil, and Silvana Copceski, a science educator and director of Brazil’s largest citizen‑science astronomy program.
Their names now orbit the Sun, permanently recorded in the IAU’s global registry.
Asteroid 550832 Silvanacopceski
Discovered in 2007 by American astronomer Robert Holmes, the asteroid received its official name — 550832 Silvanacopceski — in 2023.
Silvana Copceski leads the MCTI Asteroid Hunt Program, Brazil’s largest citizen‑science initiative dedicated to identifying new asteroids using real astronomical images. The program trains students and volunteers across the country, helping Brazil become a global reference in public participation in astronomy.
“This recognition shows that science belongs to everyone,”
said Silvana, celebrating the honor.
Her work has helped form hundreds of young observers and expand access to scientific discovery.
Asteroid (292352) Nicolinha
Nicole Oliveira’s recognition came in 2025, when the IAU approved the name (292352) Nicolinha for an asteroid she helped identify through citizen‑science programs.
Nicole became internationally known as a child for her passion for astronomy, participating in research projects, lectures, and scientific events even before becoming a teenager.
Inspiration for a New Generation
Both Silvana and Nicolinha have become symbols of science made by everyone, proving that meaningful contributions don’t require a PhD — only curiosity, training, and dedication.
Citizen‑science astronomy allows anyone to help analyze real space images and contribute to genuine scientific discoveries. As Silvana often explains:
“You don’t need to be a scientist to help science. You just need to learn the method and participate.”
Their achievements now shine far beyond Earth — literally — inspiring young people across Brazil and around the world to look up and imagine new possibilities.