Title: Citizen Scientists Help SETI Institute Break Records with Closest Supernova Observation in a Decade
Subtitle: The Cosmic Cataclysms program showcases the power of amateur astronomers in studying cosmic events
Date: May 22, 2023
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SET) Institute achieved a groundbreaking milestone when its Cosmic Cataclysms program, combined with the efforts of citizen scientists, recorded and analyzed data from the closest cosmic explosion to Earth in the past 10 years. The event, known as (SN) 2023ixf, was first detected on May 19, 2023, by Japanese amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki. Within an hour of its discovery, the amateur astronomers participating in the SETI and Unistellar program were already observing the supernova.
This remarkable endeavor brought together a record number of observers, including amateur astronomers from around the world. By collectively gathering data from the supernova, which occurred in the Pinwheel Galaxy approximately 21 million light-years away from Earth, scientists were able to gain valuable insights into the behavior of Type II supernovas. These cosmic explosions occur when massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, leading to gravitational collapse.
“This citizen science network has truly showcased its incredible potential,” remarked Lauren Sgro, a researcher at the SETI Institute. “With the combined efforts of dedicated amateur astronomers and the urgency they demonstrated, we were able to witness the full potential of this program in analyzing the closest supernova of the last decade.”
Over the course of the observation campaign, 123 amateur astronomers made 252 observations using 115 telescopes. They diligently monitored the changing brightness of the supernova, enabling the SETI scientists to construct a light curve, a measurement of its luminosity over time. The dedicated observers witnessed the initial surge in brightness and then tracked its gradual fading, providing valuable data on (SN) 2023ixf.
However, the story of (SN) 2023ixf does not end here. Astronomers expect the supernova to remain visible until at least August 2023, and consequently, the Cosmic Cataclysms program will continue to monitor its progress with the help of amateur astronomers.
The Cosmic Cataclysms program is a collaboration between the SETI Institute and Unistellar, funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. It offers citizen scientist astronomers the opportunity to study and collect data from cataclysmic and transient events such as supernovas and gamma-ray bursts. Real-time alerts enable participants to initiate observing campaigns promptly, as demonstrated by the rapid response to (SN) 2023ixf.
This valuable contribution from citizen scientists helps scientists gather vital details about the celestial objects involved in these powerful events, as well as their impact on interstellar material, including gas and dust. In the coming year, the program will receive a significant boost as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile begins operations, allowing Unistellar’s network of citizen astronomers to collaborate with other teams of astronomers and professionals in studying these transient events.
The groundbreaking research conducted by the SETI Institute and its partners in the Cosmic Cataclysms program has been published in the journal The Research Notes of the AAS. This achievement not only highlights the importance of engaging citizen scientists but also emphasizes the contributions they can make in expanding our understanding of the universe.