The Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS) announced this week that a celestial body now bears the name of pioneering botanist Kuang Tingyun, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to photosynthesis research. The International Astronomical Union formally approved the designation during a ceremony held in Beijing on December 29.
Kuang's four-decade career revolutionized understanding of plant energy conversion mechanisms, with her early 21st century discoveries continuing to influence sustainable agriculture research. The newly named asteroid – previously designated 2020 XR5 – orbits between Mars and Jupiter, symbolizing the enduring nature of scientific achievement.
"This cosmic recognition bridges earthbound botanical research and celestial exploration," said IBCAS Director Li Wei during the ceremony. The honor coincides with increased global interest in China's scientific advancements, following recent breakthroughs in ecological preservation technologies.
