Two asteroids named after University of Alicante researchers

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named two asteroids after researchers from the University of Alicante (UA): Laura M. Parro and Eloy Peña Asensio. The asteroid 20475 (formerly 1999 NU11) is now 'Lauraparro', while 20320 (formerly 1998 GH8) is 'Eloypeña' Source: lavanguardiaSource: infobae. Both bodies belong to the main asteroid belt and were discovered by the LINEAR program in New Mexico.

The researchers

Laura M. Parro is a geologist specializing in planetary geology, involved in NASA's DART mission and ESA's Hera and RAMSES missions Source: lavanguardia. Eloy Peña Asensio, a planetary scientist and aerospace engineer, focuses on near-Earth objects and fireballs, and is part of ESA's LUMIO mission Source: infobae. He is also co-author of the first Spanish book on planetary defense.

IAU recognition

The IAU approved over 200 new names in its July 9, 2026 bulletin Source: lavanguardia. This is not the first time UA researchers have been honored; in 2020, asteroid 51023 was named 'BenavidezLozano', and in 2002, asteroid 13722 was named 'Campobagatin' Source: infobae. The group, led by Adriano Campo Bagatin, studies small solar system bodies, planetary geology, and planetary defense.