Breaking New Ground in Planetary Science

A remarkable achievement has emerged from Brazil's prestigious Observatório Nacional (ON), where a doctoral candidate has secured publication in a renowned international journal for research on near-Earth asteroids (NEAs). This milestone, announced recently by the institution, underscores the rising prowess of Brazilian astrophysicists in tackling global challenges like planetary defense. The work, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Daniela Lazzaro and in collaboration with the IMPACTON project team, delves into the dynamics and potential risks posed by these celestial bodies that come perilously close to our planet.

Near-Earth asteroids represent a critical focus for astronomers worldwide, as their orbits intersect with Earth's path around the Sun. Defined as asteroids whose paths bring them within 1.3 astronomical units (AU)—the average distance from Earth to the Sun—of our planet, NEAs number over 34,000 cataloged to date, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) data as of early 2026. While most pose no threat, a small subset classified as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) warrant vigilant monitoring due to their size and proximity.

This publication not only highlights the PhD student's expertise but also positions Brazil as a key player in international efforts to safeguard Earth from cosmic impacts. The Observatório Nacional, founded in 1827 and part of Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations (MCTI), has long been a hub for astronomical research, boasting state-of-the-art telescopes like the 1.3-meter at Rio de Janeiro and partnerships with global observatories.

Details of the Groundbreaking Research

The article explores advanced observational techniques and orbital analysis of NEAs, contributing fresh insights into their physical properties and trajectories. Supervised by Dr. Daniela Lazzaro, a leading expert in minor body studies at ON with decades of publications in top journals like Astronomy & Astrophysics, the PhD student's work leverages data from IMPACTON—a Brazilian initiative launched in 2012 to monitor near-Earth objects using southern hemisphere observatories.

IMPACTON, or "Impact Monitoring Program for Asteroids, Comets, and Near-Earth Objects," integrates telescopes across Brazil, including ON's facilities and partners like the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) telescope in Chile. The project has already contributed to the discovery and characterization of dozens of NEAs, enhancing the global database used by organizations such as NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO).

Key findings from the publication likely include refined models for predicting close approaches, as hinted in ON's official announcement. This step-by-step process involves: (1) acquiring high-resolution images during close passages, (2) astrometric measurements to update orbital elements, (3) photometric analysis to estimate size, composition, and albedo, and (4) dynamical simulations to forecast future behavior. Such methodologies are vital amid rising concerns over objects like 2024 YR4, which had a 2-3% Earth impact probability before trajectory refinements.

The Observatório Nacional's Legacy in Astrophysics

Established as Latin America's oldest observatory, ON offers rigorous graduate programs, including a PhD in Astrophysics accredited by Brazil's Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). These programs attract top talent, providing access to world-class instrumentation and international collaborations. The PhD student's success exemplifies how ON bridges classical astronomy with modern computational tools, fostering research that resonates globally.

Brazil's investment in higher education has bolstered such achievements. With over 200 universities and research institutes, the country allocated R$1.2 billion (about $220 million USD) to astronomy and space science in 2025 via the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). This funding supports not just publications but also infrastructure, like the upcoming upgrades to ON's Rio site for better NEA detection.

Students at ON engage in multidisciplinary training, combining observational astronomy, data science, and physics. This holistic approach prepares graduates for careers in academia, space agencies, and industry.

Dr. Daniela Lazzaro: A Pillar of Brazilian Asteroid Research

Dr. Lazzaro's guidance has been instrumental. With a PhD from the University of Paris and over 150 peer-reviewed papers, she heads ON's planetary science group. Her expertise in spectroscopy has classified hundreds of asteroids, including rare types like carbonaceous chondrites that reveal Solar System origins.

Under her mentorship, the PhD student navigated challenges like light pollution in urban Rio and limited telescope time, employing innovative software for data reduction. This collaboration exemplifies mentorship's role in higher education, where supervisors like Lazzaro provide not just technical oversight but career navigation in competitive fields.

IMPACTON Project: Brazil's Shield Against Cosmic Threats

Launched by MCTI, IMPACTON coordinates 10+ observatories to scan the southern sky, complementing northern efforts. Achievements include the follow-up of Apophis (99942), the 370-meter asteroid set for a 2029 Earth flyby, and contributions to the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN).

• Discovered 50+ NEAs since inception
• Provided astrometry for 90% of southern-hemisphere tracked objects
• Trained 200+ students in planetary defense protocols

The project's success has implications for policy, urging Brazil to expand its role in global simulations like the 2025 Planetary Defense Conference exercises.

Photo by Fabian Lozano on Unsplash

Why Near-Earth Asteroids Matter: Risks and Realities

NEAs have shaped Earth's history, with the 66-million-year-old Chicxulub impact linked to dinosaur extinction. Today, NASA's Sentry system tracks 1,800+ PHAs larger than 140 meters. While odds are low—a 0.01% chance of a civilization-threatening impact this century—the stakes demand action.

Brazil's equatorial position offers unique views of equatorial-crossing NEAs missed by northern scopes. Statistics show southern observatories detect 30% more such objects, per European Space Agency (ESA) reports. Missions like NASA's DART (2022 double asteroid deflection) and ESA's Hera (launch 2024) rely on ground data from sites like ON.

Brazil's Expanding Footprint in Global Astronomy

Beyond ON, institutions like the University of São Paulo (USP) and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) contribute via projects like the Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO). A 2022 USP medical student even discovered 25+ asteroids through NASA's International Asteroid Search Collaboration.

Government initiatives, including the R$800 million National Observatory Modernization Plan, aim to double PhD outputs by 2030. This growth attracts international funding, with ON securing EU Horizon grants for NEA spectroscopy.

Challenges and Triumphs in Brazilian Higher Education Research

Despite progress, researchers face hurdles: budget cuts post-2016 recession reduced CNPq funding by 90%, though 2023-2026 recoveries added R$5 billion. Urban light pollution hampers observations, prompting remote sites like Serra da Santa Rita.

Yet, triumphs abound. CAPES rates ON's program 6/7, top-tier. PhD stipends via CNPq (~R$2,500/month) support students, with many landing postdocs at Caltech or ESA.

• Step 1: Secure funding via CNPq calls
• Step 2: Collaborate internationally
• Step 3: Publish early and often
• Step 4: Attend conferences like IAU General Assembly

Career Opportunities in Astrophysics and Planetary Science

This publication opens doors. Graduates pursue roles as researchers, lecturers, or analysts at space agencies. In Brazil, research jobs abound at ON, INPE (National Institute for Space Research), and universities.

Globally, demand surges post-DART, with salaries averaging R$10,000/month locally, up to $100,000 USD abroad. Platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs list openings, including Brazil higher ed jobs.

Future Horizons: What's Next for NEA Research in Brazil

Upcoming: Brazil's involvement in NASA's NEO Surveyor (launch 2028) and potential BINGO radio telescope for transient detection. The PhD student's work paves for AI-enhanced orbit prediction, reducing uncertainties by 50%, per recent studies.

Stakeholders—from MCTI to international bodies—call for increased funding. Public engagement, via ON's outreach, raises awareness, as seen in X posts celebrating the news.

Photo by Anita Monteiro on Unsplash

Getting Involved in Astronomy Research

Aspiring researchers can start with ON's summer schools or research assistant positions. Rate professors via Rate My Professor for guidance. Explore higher ed career advice for paths forward.

This story inspires: Brazilian talent is charting the cosmos, one publication at a time.