- Planétarium
Astrophysicist Auriane Egal, a scientific advisor at the Planétarium and an associate professor at the University of Western Ontario, has been recognized for her work with several recent awards, both in Quebec and internationally.
She recently received the Marcel Moye Prize, awarded by the Société astronomique de France, founded in 1887 by Camille Flammarion. She also received Radio‑Canada’s 39th Scientist of the Year Award for coordinating the first comprehensive analysis of an asteroid, tracking this celestial body from its detection in space to its entry into the atmosphere, and ultimately to the recovery and study of its fragments on Earth.
Espace pour la vie warmly congratulates her on these distinctions, which highlight the impact of her research among both the general public and the scientific community.
Her work, which required the coordination of close to 100 international scientists and the public, demonstrates the importance of improving planetary defence to better protect populations.
Auriane Egal's project among Québec Science's 10 discoveries of the year
Auriane's project also ranks among the 10 discoveries of the year by Quebec scientists. Under her leadership, in collaboration with 97 researchers from 22 countries, this first comprehensive analysis of an asteroid revealed a major surprise.
Unlike most asteroids, which gradually fragment as they pass through the atmosphere, 2023 CX1 exploded at an altitude of 28 km, releasing almost all its energy in a single burst. This violent fragmentation produced a concentrated shockwave, posing a greater threat to populated areas than the more gradual disintegrations typically observed (such as the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013).
The study Catastrophic Disruption of Asteroid 2023 CX1 and Implications for Planetary Defence reveals the existence of a new class of asteroids capable of causing disproportionate damage relative to their size.
Important research on meteor showers
Auriane Egal's research focuses on predicting meteor showers on Earth and anticipating the risk of collisions between meteor showers and space probes (including the James Webb Space Telescope) or the International Space Station.
Auriane's work is used by space agencies, including NASA. By observing and analyzing the impact of small asteroids on Earth, her work contributes to international planetary defence efforts.
More about the astrophysicist's accomplishments
Radio‑Canada’s Les années lumière: Interview with Auriane Egal (in French)
Discover Québec Science's 10 discoveries of the year and vote for your favourite!