Nalin Samarasinha

Nalin H. Samarasinha (born 1958) is a Sri Lankan born planetary scientist and a discoverer of minor planets, who studies the dynamical evolution and processes of cometary nuclei and comae.[1] Currently, he works as a senior scientist for the Planetary Science Institute in the United States.[2][3]

Dr

Nalin Samarasinha
Born1958
Sri Lanka
NationalityAmerican
EducationHena Vidyalaya, Mt. Lavinia
Nalanda College, Colombo
University of Colombo
University of Maryland, College Park USA
OccupationAstronomer
EmployerPlanetary Science Institute USA
Known forfirst native born citizen of Sri Lanka to gain the distinction of having an Asteroid named after him
TitleSenior Scientist

Early life

Samarasinha earned a BSc first class honours in Physics from University of Colombo after schooling at Hena Vidyalaya, Mt. Lavinia and Nalanda College Colombo.[4] Later he gained a MSc in astronomy from University of Maryland, College Park USA and followed it up furthering studies graduating with a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Maryland.[5]

Discoveries and honours

Florian asteroid 12871 Samarasinha (1998 ML37), discovered by astronomers with the LONEOS survey in 1998, was named in his honor. The official naming citation was published by IAU's Minor Planet Center on 24 July 2002 (M.P.C. 46109).[1][6] He is the first native born citizen of Sri Lanka to gain the distinction of having an asteroid named after him.[7] Together with astronomer Tod R. Lauer, he is credited with the discovery of asteroid 607372 Colombounilanka.[8]

References
  1. "12871 Samarasinha". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  2. “Anuradhapura”, another far off Asteroid
  3. Lankan astronomer’s voyage of discovery with Comet Hartley 2
  4. Celestial honour for Lankan astronomer
  5. Nalin Samarasinha
  6. "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  7. Celestial honour for Lankan astronomer
  8. "Asteroid (607372)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
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