The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute has achieved a record-breaking milestone with the closest cosmic explosion to Earth in the last 10 years. The supernova, named (SN) 2023ixf, was first discovered on May 19, 2023, by Japanese amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki. Within an hour of its discovery, amateur astronomers participating in SETI and Unistellar’s Cosmic Cataclysms program began collecting data on the event.
A remarkable number of observers, including citizen scientists in the form of amateur astronomers, collaborated to gather data from the supernova, which occurred in the Pinwheel Galaxy, located approximately 21 million light-years away from Earth. This collaborative effort allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of Type II supernovas, which are cosmic explosions that occur when massive stars exhaust their nuclear fusion fuel and succumb to gravitational collapse.
SETI Institute researcher Lauren Sgro expressed her amazement at the capabilities of the citizen science network, stating, “This was the closest supernova of the last decade, and observers took full advantage of the special occasion. They jumped on target as soon as possible and kept observing, which allowed us to witness the full potential of this program.”
The Cosmic Cataclysms program, a joint initiative between the SETI Institute and Unistellar, funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, enables citizen scientist astronomers to study and collect data from cataclysmic and transient events such as supernovas and gamma-ray bursts. Participants receive real-time alerts when these events are detected, leading to the rapid initiation of observing campaigns.
In the case of (SN) 2023ixf, 123 dedicated amateur astronomers made 252 observations using 115 telescopes to track the changing brightness of the supernova over time. This data allowed SETI scientists to construct a light curve, a measurement of the supernova’s brightness over time.
The story of (SN) 2023ixf is far from over, as the supernova is expected to remain visible until at least August 2023. The amateur astronomers involved in the Cosmic Cataclysms program will continue to monitor its progress during this time.
The Cosmic Cataclysms program will receive a significant boost next year with the commencement of operations at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. This will allow the Unistellar network of citizen astronomers to collaborate with other teams of astronomers and professionals to study transient events.
The research conducted by the SETI Institute and Unistellar was published in the journal The Research Notes of the AAS.
This achievement highlights the power of citizen scientists and their contributions to scientific research. Their dedication and collaboration have enabled scientists to gather vital information about celestial events and their impact on the surrounding interstellar material.
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What are the benefits of collaborative efforts between professional researchers and citizen scientists in advancing our understanding of cosmic events such as supernovas
Sts to actively participate in collecting data on cosmic events such as supernovas. Through the use of Unistellar’s eVscope, an innovative and compact telescope designed for both amateur and professional use, participants were able to capture detailed images and spectra of SN 2023ixf.
The data collected by the citizen scientists proved invaluable in studying the various stages of the supernova explosion. By examining the evolution of the explosion, scientists can gain insights into the processes occurring within massive stars and the subsequent formation of neutron stars or black holes.
Furthermore, the collaboration between professional researchers and amateur astronomers showcases the power of citizen science in advancing our knowledge of the universe. This type of collaborative effort has become increasingly common in recent years, with citizen scientists contributing significantly to a wide range of scientific disciplines.
The SETI Institute and Unistellar’s Cosmic Cataclysms program is a shining example of how citizen science can contribute to astronomical research. By engaging amateur astronomers and providing them with the necessary tools and resources, researchers can maximize their data collection efforts and gain valuable insights into the mysteries of the cosmos.
This recent milestone not only highlights the achievements of the SETI Institute and Unistellar but also serves as a reminder of the vastness and wonders of the universe that are waiting to be discovered. As scientists continue to explore the depths of space, the involvement of citizen scientists in projects like the Cosmic Cataclysms program will undoubtedly play a crucial role in unraveling the secrets of the universe and potentially uncovering evidence of extraterrestrial life.
This groundbreaking SETI program has opened up new possibilities in our understanding of the universe. Kudos to these amateur astronomers for capturing the record-breaking supernova, reminding us that anyone can contribute to scientific discoveries.