The Naming Ceremony of 703756 Xijiaouni was held at the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour in Xi'an on March 29.

Xi'an Jiaotong University receives the naming certificate. [Photo/Xi'an Release]

The asteroid, formed in the early days of the solar system nearly 4 billion years ago, was discovered on Sept 21, 2007, by the near-earth-object-telescopic-finder at the Purple Mountain Observatory's Xuyi Observation Station. Following 17 years of continuous observations, it was assigned the permanent designation 703756 in July 2024 and was named Xijiaouni in February 2026 with the approval of the International Astronomical Union.

The number 703756 has a deep connection with Xi'an Jiaotong University; "56" stands for the university's westward relocation in 1956, "70" represents the 70th anniversary of this westward move, and "37" commemorates the relocation of the university's medical and finance programs to Shaanxi during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in 1937.

The orbital eccentricity of Xijiaouni is 0.176, its orbital inclination is 7.75 degrees, and its semi-major axis is 2.71 astronomical units. It takes 4.47 years to orbit the Sun once, with its maximum distance from Earth at 627 million kilometers and its closest approach at 185 million kilometers.

Asteroids are the only celestial bodies in the solar system whose names can be nominated by their discoverers. Once a name is internationally approved, it becomes a permanent designation, carrying international and historical significance, and represents a lofty international honor.

The naming of Xijiaouni marks a new starting point for the research, detection, and application of this celestial body. In this new era of development, the Purple Mountain Observatory and Xi'an Jiaotong University will deepen cooperation in discipline construction, talent cultivation, and scientific research and innovation, fostering a new landscape in astronomy.