Following “Shanghai Jiao Tong University Star,” asteroid No. 345871 has officially been named "Xu Guangxian Star" with approval from the International Astronomical Union, in honor of SJTU distinguished alumnus XU Guangxian, widely recognized as the “Father of Chinese Rare Earths.” His scientific ideal and enduring spirit will live on along the path through the cosmos.

The asteroid was discovered on August 13, 2007, by the Xuyi Observation Station of the Purple Mountain Observatory. It received permanent international designation No. 345871 in November 2012 and was formally named "Xu Guangxian Star" upon recommendation by the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Selection Committee. The asteroid has an orbital eccentricity of 0.206, an inclination of 5.149°, an average distance of 395 million kilometers from the Sun, an orbital period of 4.44 years, and a distance from Earth ranging from 171 million to 637 million kilometers.

The naming ceremony for "Xu Guangxian Star" was held during the Science Night event of the 2026 Ruiyuan Science and Technology Awards at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Attendees included YANG Zhenbin, Party Secretary of SJTU; Academician DING Kuiling, President of SJTU; HU Weiwei, Deputy Party Secretary; DUAN Ruichun, Secretary-General of the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Selection Committee; WU Xuefeng, Deputy Director of the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; ZHAO Haibin, researcher; PEI Jian, Party Secretary of the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University; and family representatives of XU Guangxian, including XU Haichao and TAN Fang.

XU Guangxian was a distinguished physical chemist graduated from Jiao Tong University in 1944. He joined Peking University in 1951 and was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1980. XU devoted his career to rare earth separation research, establishing the theory of countercurrent extraction, which was widely adopted in industrial practice. His work played a pivotal role in advancing China's rare earth production capabilities and reshaped the global rare earth industry. He received the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Achievement and China's State Preeminent Science and Technology Award.

At the ceremony, DUAN Ruichun, on behalf of the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation, presented the commemorative bronze plaque for the Star to Academician DING Kuiling , President of SJTU, in recognition of XU's scientific contributions and enduring legacy.

DUAN Ruichun read the international naming bulletin officially announcing the designation of asteroid No. 345871 as "Xu Guangxian Star." WU Xuefeng read the naming certificate and delivered remarks. As the asteroid's discoverer, ZHAO Haibin introduced its discovery history and orbital characteristics.

WU Xuefeng then presented official naming materials of the Star on behalf of the Purple Mountain Observatory to HU Weiwei, PEI Jian, and XU Haichao. Speaking on behalf of the family, XU Haichao said they would carry forward XU Guangxian's scientific spirit and patriotism. Asteroids are the only class of celestial bodies that may be named by their discoverers, and once internationally approved, the designation becomes permanent, making it a distinction of lasting historical and international significance.

"Xu Guangxian Star" will continue its journey through the cosmos. As a tribute to the great scientist's extraordinary achievements, it carries forward the spiritual legacy of a generation and will continue to inspire future researchers.

Translator: ZHOU Ziwei