LA PALMA, Spain, July 1, 2023
‘Spot the Difference’ yields cosmic revelation
Public volunteers identified a cataclysmic variable star.
- Citizen scientists discovered a bright,exploding star.
- The star brightened 2,500 times in two days.
- Volunteers flagged the object within 3.5 hours of image capture.
- The discovery highlights the power of citizen science.
Using a project called Kilonova seekers, a bright, exploding star was discovered; the star, now named GOTO0650, is classified as a cataclysmic variable star.
Unveiling GOTO0650
Imagine playing a cosmic version of “spot the difference.” That’s essentially what Kilonova Seekers invites the public to do: compare images of the night sky, searching for new stars or changes in light intensity. This unique project, detailed in a study published today in Astronomy & Astrophysics, has announced its first major discovery: a bright, exploding star.
The object, GOTO0650, underwent an extreme brightening, increasing in intensity by 2,500 times in just two days.This rapid change caught the attention of diligent volunteers, enabling scientists to study and classify the object early in its evolution.
Did you know? Cataclysmic variable stars are compact binary systems were a white dwarf steals matter from a companion star, leading to explosive outbursts.
Swift Response
Dr. Tom Killestein, co-led of Kilonova Seekers at the University of Warwick, emphasized the project’s unique nature: “kilonova Seekers is a unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in true real-time astrophysics.”
The speed of discovery was remarkable. “Remarkably, public volunteers identified this star as an object of interest within 3 1/2 hours of the image being taken by the GOTO telescopes,” saeid Killestein, noting that the discovery might have been missed without their efforts.
The involvement didn’t stop there. The object was flagged for further observation by the Swift and Einstein Probe space observatories. Amateur astronomers also contributed high-quality observations, playing a key role in understanding the object.
The Nature of a Cataclysmic Variable Star
Cataclysmic variable stars are known for their sporadic bursts of brightness. These systems consist of a white dwarf star drawing matter from a companion star. Periodically, the material reaches a critical density and temperature, triggering an explosive outburst and bright flashes of light.
The rapid response of the Kilonova Seekers enabled researchers to gather a thorough dataset,including spectroscopy,X-ray,and UV measurements,supplemented by observations from amateur astronomers. This data suggests that GOTO0650 is a “period bouncer,” a rare final state of a cataclysmic variable star.
Citizen Science at Its Finest
Dr. Lisa Kelsey, co-lead of Kilonova Seekers from the Institute of Astronomy and Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge, highlighted the power of citizen science. “Citizen science is a powerful way to make novel serendipitous discoveries in vast datasets that would normally need to be analysed in depth by scientists,” Kelsey said.
“With over 2.8 million classifications so far, the discovery of GOTO0650 is really the pinnacle of 2 years of consistent hard work from our volunteers,” she added. “without the Kilonova Seekers volunteers flagging this object, rapid follow-up would not have been possible, and this object may have been missed entirely.”
A Global Effort
The Kilonova Seekers Project is approaching its two-year anniversary. It invites the public to analyze near real-time data from the Gravitational-wave Optical transient Observer (GOTO) project, which uses telescopes in Spain and Australia to survey the sky.
With vast amounts of data being generated, citizen science provides a solution to avoid missing crucial objects like GOTO0650. over 3,500 volunteers from around the world participate, ensuring near-constant monitoring of the data.
volunteer Voices
Svetoslav Alexandrov, a volunteer based in Bulgaria, shared his enthusiasm: “Traffic in Sofia, Bulgaria, is always awful during the mornings so I have to pass time on the bus somehow, and contributing to citizen science is an excellent way to do that! Kilonova Seekers is on the top of my list, as it’s mobile-friendly and most importantly, it offers us fresh imagery almost every single day.”
Alexandrov’s excitement peaked when he learned he would be a co-author on the research paper. “I literally screamed with joy when I saw that I was going to be a co-author of the research paper,” he said. “I knew I am a co-discoverer of something significant, and this was all that mattered.”
Cledison Marcos da Silva, a volunteer from brazil, found personal significance in the project. “This discovery was very important to me, as I was going through a serious health problem and the citizen science we do at Kilonova Seekers was distracting me from my situation,” he said. “This discovery shows the importance of citizen science, both scientifically and personally. Even from your bed, or on the street with your cell phone, there is the possibility of making a very critically important discovery.”
mayahuel Torres-Guerrero, a volunteer based in Mexico, highlighted the learning opportunities. “The journey from the discovery of GOTO0650 to the publication of the paper in Astronomy & Astrophysics has been personally rewarding,” she said. “It was very exciting when GOTO0650 produced an echo outburst on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day! It was a great journey for someone who has studied social sciences like me!”
What is a cataclysmic variable star?
A cataclysmic variable star is a binary star system, the final state of a cataclysmic variable star, where a white dwarf steals matter from a companion star, resulting in explosive bursts of light.
Quick fact: The GOTO project, which provided the data for this discovery, utilizes telescopes located in Spain and Australia.
GOTO’s Role
The Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) is a network of telescopes located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, Spain, and Siding Spring observatory in NSW, Australia.
previously described as playing astronomical ‘spot the difference,’ Kilonova Seekers asks the public to compare the latest images of a section of night sky to an image of the same section of space taken on previous nights. Their goal – to spot new stars or significant changes in light intensity that may indicate that something remarkable has happened in space.
Beyond GOTO0650: Other Opportunities for Citizen scientists
The remarkable discovery of GOTO0650 by the Kilonova seekers project highlights the immense potential of citizen science in astronomy. But what other celestial treasures await discovery through the “spot the difference” method? let’s explore the possibilities.
One area ripe for citizen science exploration is the search for exoplanets.By comparing images of stars over time, volunteers can identify slight dips in brightness that could indicate a planet passing in front of its star (a transit). Other projects might focus on gravitational lensing events, where the gravity of a massive object warps the light from a distant star, causing it to brighten.
Spotting the Signs: What Else Can Be Found?
- Supernovae: These are the explosive deaths of massive stars, appearing as sudden, dramatic brightenings in the sky.
- Novae: Similar to cataclysmic variables, these involve white dwarfs erupting, tho on a less extreme scale.
- Variable stars: Many stars change in brightness over time.Citizen scientists can definitely help identify adn classify these variations.
- Asteroid Detection: By tracking the movement of objects across the sky, volunteers can contribute to identifying and tracking asteroids.
Practical Tips for Budding Skywatchers
Interested in joining the ranks of discovery? Here are some tips to maximize your contribution to citizen science projects:
- Choose a Project That Interests You: With many projects available, find one that aligns with your interests.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Each project has its own guidelines and protocols. Adhering to these ensures data quality.
- Be Consistent: Regular participation,even for short periods,is more valuable than sporadic bursts of activity.
- Learn as You Go: Many projects provide educational resources. Use these to enhance your understanding of the science.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions in online forums or through project organizers.
Case Studies: Citizen Scientists in Action
The success of Kilonova Seekers is not an isolated incident. Several other citizen science projects have made significant contributions to astronomical research.
For instance, the Zooniverse platform hosts numerous projects, including Galaxy Zoo, where volunteers classify galaxies based on their shapes. This has led to groundbreaking discoveries about galaxy evolution. Also, the “Planet Hunters” project has already helped identify numerous exoplanet candidates, offering valuable data to professional astronomers.
Citizen science empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to scientific progress. These projects open exciting opportunities for everyone to participate in cutting-edge research as they identify and understand unique celestial phenomena.
Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Let’s address some common misconceptions about citizen science:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Citizen science is just for beginners. | Citizen science welcomes participants of all skill levels; even seasoned astrophysics professionals can, and do, join. |
| Citizen science projects are not taken seriously by professional scientists. | Citizen science projects generate real, publishable data, used by scientists worldwide. |
| It takes a lot of time to make a valuable contribution. | Significant discoveries can be facilitated through just minutes of your time. |
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about citizen science in astronomy:
Q: Do I need any prior experience in astronomy?
A: No prior experience is usually required.Most projects provide tutorials and instructions.
Q: How much time do I need to dedicate?
A: The amount of time is flexible, ranging from minutes to hours per week, depending on your availability.
Q: What if I find somthing interesting?
A: Most projects have systems in place for identifying and flagging interesting observations; the project scientists will then investigate.
Q: Is my contribution really valuable?
A: Absolutely! Citizen scientists play an essential role in sifting through massive datasets.
Q: how can I get started?
A: Visit platforms like Zooniverse and NASA’s citizen science website; explore a variety of projects and choose the best fit.
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