In a groundbreaking collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists, the University of Warwick’s ‘Kilonova Seekers’ project has announced its first major discovery: an exploding star system observed in real-time. This remarkable achievement underscores the vital role of public volunteers in astronomical research.
The discovery was made possible through ‘Kilonova Seekers,’ a citizen science initiative that invites the public to compare recent images of the night sky with older ones, identifying new stars or changes in light intensity. The project, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, revealed the identification of an extremely bright exploding star, which brightened by 2,500 times compared to images taken days earlier. This early detection allowed researchers to study and classify the object, now known as GOTO0650, as a cataclysmic variable star.
Citizen Science at the Forefront
Dr. Tom Killestein, co-lead of Kilonova Seekers and Warwick Prize Fellow in the Astronomy and Astrophysics group at the University of Warwick, highlighted the project’s unique approach: “Kilonova Seekers is a unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in true real-time astrophysics.” Volunteers identified the star within 3 1/2 hours of the image capture, a feat that might have been impossible without their contributions.
The involvement of volunteers extended beyond the initial discovery. Their efforts led to further observations from the Swift and Einstein Probe space observatories. Amateur astronomers also contributed high-quality observations, which were crucial for understanding the star’s nature.
Understanding Cataclysmic Variable Stars
Cataclysmic variable stars are binary systems where a white dwarf star siphons material from a companion star. This process can lead to explosive outbursts, causing dramatic increases in brightness. The public’s swift response enabled researchers to gather a comprehensive dataset on GOTO0650, including spectroscopy, X-ray, and UV measurements, supplemented by amateur astronomers’ observations.
Dr. Lisa Kelsey, co-lead of Kilonova Seekers, emphasized the importance of citizen science: “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.”
The Power of Public Participation
The Kilonova Seekers project, nearing its two-year anniversary, invites public participation in analyzing data from the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) project. This initiative captures all-sky survey images from telescopes in Spain and Australia. As the volume of data grows, citizen science becomes an essential tool for identifying significant astronomical events.
Volunteer Svetoslav Alexandrov from Bulgaria shared his excitement: “I literally screamed with joy when I saw that I was going to be a co-author of the research paper.” His sentiment reflects the personal impact and scientific significance of public contributions.
Similarly, Cledison Marcos da Silva from Brazil found solace in the project during a challenging time: “This discovery shows the importance of citizen science, both scientifically and personally.”
Looking Ahead
The success of Kilonova Seekers demonstrates the potential of citizen science in advancing astronomical research. With over 3,500 volunteers worldwide, the project continues to provide opportunities for discovering supernovae and variable stars. As technology and public engagement evolve, the role of citizen scientists in uncovering cosmic phenomena is set to expand.
Mayahuel Torres-Guerrero from Mexico reflected on the journey: “The journey from the discovery of GOTO0650 to the publication of the paper in Astronomy & Astrophysics has been personally rewarding.” Her experience highlights the educational and participatory benefits of citizen science, bridging the gap between professional researchers and the public.
