Asteroid Named in Parks's Memory

The asteroid 284996 Rosaparks was discovered by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, a NASA space mission designed to survey the sky in infrared light. This asteroid serves as a tribute to Rosa Parks, an influential figure in the American civil rights movement, known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks's act of defiance in refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked a nationwide effort to end racial segregation in public transportation. The naming of the asteroid not only honors her legacy but also highlights the importance of her contributions to social justice and equality. The decision to name the asteroid after Parks reflects a broader recognition of her impact on civil rights and her enduring influence on subsequent generations advocating for social change.