Crowdsourcing Project Maps More than 300,000 Galaxies
A major crowdsourcing initiative is giving us unprecedented insights into the Universe. Minnesota University scientists have reported that more than 83,000 volunteer citizen scientists have mapped over 300,000 galaxies as part of Galaxy Zoo 2.
They have helped to build a database that’s at least ten times larger than any previous galaxies catalog.
“This catalog is the first time we’ve been able to gather this much information about a population of galaxies,” said Kyle Willett, a physics and astronomy postdoctoral researcher in the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. “People all over the world are beginning to examine the data to gain a more detailed understanding of galaxy types.”
Galaxy Hunting
Between Feb. 2009 and April 2010, volunteers studied images online that had been collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. To categorize each galaxy they were asked questions about its shape and structure.
The fruits of their work have been included in a paper describing the project. It is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
- The catalog can be viewed here at the Galaxy Zoo website.
- Click here to view image samples that were categorized by citizen scientists.
According to scientists involved with the venture, the contributions of members of the public are equivalent to 30 years of full-time work by one researcher.
The crowdsourcing project is not over, and scientists still need the public’s help to create the next catalog. For further details and to participate in the hunt for more galaxies, click here. Specialist skills and scientific knowledge are not necessary to take part.
Add your Comment
[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.fields are required.