In a remarkable achievement for citizen science, volunteers have identified the explosive moment of a binary star system, known as a cataclysmic variable star, by comparing images from telescopes located on opposite sides of the globe. This discovery, part of the Kilonova Seekers project, highlights the power of public participation in scientific research.
The project, which engages over 3,500 volunteers worldwide, encourages participants to play a cosmic version of “spot the difference” using data from two gravitational-wave optical transient observer (GOTO) telescopes. These telescopes are strategically placed in La Palma, Canary Islands, and at Australia’s Siding Spring Observatory. The volunteers’ efforts led to the identification of the star GOTO0650, which exhibited “extreme brightening” within a span of just two days.
The Science Behind the Discovery
A cataclysmic variable star consists of a binary system where a white dwarf and a secondary star are in such close proximity that the white dwarf’s gravity distorts its companion. This interaction often results in dramatic changes in brightness, which are detectable from Earth. The findings were significant enough to be published in the prestigious journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Professor Laura Nuttall from the University of Portsmouth expressed her pride in the project’s achievements, stating, “We’re engaging with people in just about every time zone, and thanks to their enthusiasm for the project, they are making discoveries and contributing to furthering our understanding of astrophysics.”
Citizen Science: Bridging the Gap
Dr. Lisa Kelsey from the University of Cambridge emphasized the importance of citizen science, noting that it allows for novel discoveries in vast datasets that would otherwise require extensive analysis by professional scientists. “With over 2.8 million classifications so far, the discovery of GOTO0650 is really the pinnacle of two years of consistent hard work from our volunteers,” she said.
“Without the Kilonova Seekers volunteers flagging this object, rapid follow-up would not have been possible, and this object may have been missed entirely.” – Dr. Lisa Kelsey
Dr. Tom Killestein, co-lead of Kilonova Seekers at the University of Warwick, highlighted the project’s uniqueness, stating, “Kilonova Seekers is a unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in true real-time astrophysics. Remarkably, public volunteers identified this star as an object of interest within three and a half hours of the image being taken by the GOTO telescopes.”
Personal Stories of Discovery
The project’s impact extends beyond scientific discovery, touching the lives of its participants. Volunteer Cledison Marcos da Silva shared how the project provided a welcome distraction during a serious health issue. “This discovery was very important to me… I never imagined that we would discover such a bright transient,” he said, highlighting the personal significance of the find.
Another participant, Mayahuel Torres-Guerrero, expressed excitement over the star’s “echo outburst” on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. “It was a great journey for someone who has studied social sciences like me,” she remarked, illustrating the project’s broad appeal and accessibility.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Citizen Science
The success of the Kilonova Seekers project underscores the potential of citizen science to contribute significantly to scientific advancements. As technology continues to evolve, the role of the public in scientific discovery is likely to expand, offering more opportunities for individuals to engage with and contribute to groundbreaking research.
The discovery of GOTO0650 not only advances our understanding of cataclysmic variable stars but also demonstrates the power of global collaboration in science. As more people around the world become involved in such projects, the possibilities for new discoveries are boundless.
