In a gesture that unites professional excellence with scientific recognition, an asteroid has been officially named as “Jakelin Romero”, in honor of a Peruvian software programmer who currently works at the European Space Agency (ESA).
From San Marcos to the European Space Agency (ESA)! As a software programmer on the NEOCC team, Jakelin Romero Triviños demonstrates that scientific computing is a key tool for understanding the universe.
Today, her work is recognized with the naming of an asteroid after her.
A 2012 graduate in Scientific Computing from the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM), Yakelin Romero continued her studies with a master's degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Florence, Italy.
Her career in Europe didn't begin in the space sector; she worked developing software for the private sector, and later monitoring the safety of tunnels on Italian highways. Her previous experience and her ability to handle high-pressure situations allowed her to pass the rigorous selection process of the European Space Agency (ESA).
As with any space agency, they don't only need astronomers or astronauts.
Her programming skills, a passion that emerged after entering the workforce, allow her to develop web tools to maintain the official website of the NEOCC, the European Space Agency's (ESA) coordination center for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).
Currently, she is working on the development of an interactive statistical map, which will be useful for scientific research. As part of a multidisciplinary team, their work is key to visualizing official data on the evolution and trajectory of asteroids and other celestial bodies.
The team of scientists behind the NEOCC uses this information to observe and calculate asteroid orbits and assess their impact risk.
A message of perseverance
At the end of 2025, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) announced that it had named an asteroid in honor of Peruvian programmer Yakelin Lizbeth Romero Triviños, highlighting her contribution to technological development and space surveillance.
This is asteroid (146985) Yakelinromero, discovered on August 5, 2002, by the CINEOS project, from the Campo Imperatore Observatory in Italy.
The initiative was promoted by its leader, Ana Maria Teodorescu, who is responsible for the NEOCC website and has become a role model for the Peruvian developer.
Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, mostly within the Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter.
The Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA) explains that these objects are considered remnants from the early formation of the Solar System, more than 4.6 billion years ago.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the organization responsible for officially assigning names to celestial bodies, such as asteroids, exoplanets, and comets, ensuring their international recognition and their connection to scientific contributions.
From her current residence in Europe, Yakelin Romero sends a message to young Peruvians: believe in yourselves despite adversity, such as language barriers or academic challenges.
For her, obstacles are goals, and learning never ends, whether in science, medicine, or history.
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(END) SPV / MDV
Published: 1/2/2026