# IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns

Free NASA citizen-science campaigns where school teams analyze fresh Pan-STARRS telescope images with Astrometrica software to discover real asteroids - student finds are reported to the Minor Planet Center and can be named by discoverers.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | International Astronomical Search Collaboration |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://iasc.cosmosearch.org/ |

## About this program

# IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns

The International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC, pronounced "Isaac") is a NASA Citizen Science project that gives students original astronomical discovery experience. During month-long campaigns, participating school teams receive fresh CCD image sets from professional survey telescopes and search them for moving objects - main belt asteroids, near-Earth objects, and trans-Neptunian objects. Since 2006, IASC participants have logged thousands of preliminary asteroid detections, with confirmed student discoveries catalogued by the International Astronomical Union and named by their discoverers.

## What You'll Do

- Register a team for a campaign from the published schedule (campaigns run year-round; one set runs August 7 - September 1, 2026)
- Complete a roughly two-hour tutorial and install the free Astrometrica analysis software
- Analyze image sets delivered to your team during the month-long campaign, flagging asteroid candidates
- Submit measurement reports; genuine detections go to the Minor Planet Center, and confirmed discoveries are credited to your team

## Who Should Apply

School teams and student groups anywhere in the US - teachers typically register a team, and no astronomy background is needed. Participation is completely free; images, software, and training are all provided. Campaigns usually fill about 30 days before their start date, so register early.

## Outcomes

Students perform real astrometry that contributes to planetary defense and minor-planet science, and can earn provisional discovery credit for new asteroids - one of the only ways a middle or high school student can put their name on a solar system object.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns cost?

IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns?

IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns online or in person?

IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to IASC Asteroid Search Campaigns?

Apply directly through International Astronomical Search Collaboration's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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