On 7 February 2022, the working group for Small Bodies Nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) accepted the proposal made by the Astronomical and Cultural Club of Farra d’Isonzo (CCAF) to call the asteroid discovered in Farra d’Isonzo on 7 February 1994 with the name (15803) Parisi (the number in brackets before the name is typical of asteroids).
Dedicated to Giorgio Parisi, 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics, (15803) Parisi is a main belt asteroid, whose orbit is characterized by a semimajor axis equal to 2.5887328 au and an eccentricity of 0.1873772, with an inclination of 14.43238 with respect to the ecliptic with a diameter of 6.1 km.
The CCAF ODV, Astronomical and Cultural Club of Farra d’Isonzo, is a non-profit voluntary organization with a dual purpose: to disseminate astronomy and related sciences to the public and to carry out a valid scientific research activity. It is made up of people of different ages, professions and cultures. In fact, it is open to anyone who has an interest in the sciences of the Universe. With the 40 cm telescope it bought in 1985, and then with the entry into function of the 60 cm telescope in 2013, the CCAF ODV has chosen the solar system small bodies Astrometry as its main field of research, identifying over 260 new asteroids. Among the new asteroids identified by the CCAF there is (136793), the first NEO discovered in Italy and belonging to the Apollo-class asteroids, objects considered to be among the most dangerous for the Earth.
Giorgio Parisi said: “Never in my life would I have imagined having an asteroid with my name on it. I am moved and excited for the honour the CCAF has reserved for me. I will consider it a constant reminder of the commitment necessary to consolidate scientific culture in our Country.”
