Amateur Astronomers Discover Exploding Star Through Citizen Science

A significant breakthrough in the field of astronomy has emerged from a citizen science initiative aimed at identifying exploding stars in real-time. The Kilonova Science project, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Warwick, has recently identified a distant star that became 2,500 times brighter shortly after its explosion, marking a remarkable achievement in collaborative observation.

This discovery was made with an astonishing delay of just three and a half hours, allowing for extensive follow-up observations across various segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. The analysis indicated that this event was caused by a variable star nearing the end of its life cycle, which the research team described as extraordinary.

The Kilonova Seeker program utilizes real-time data from a telescope located on the Spanish island of La Palma to monitor changes in celestial objects. The system automatically generates before-and-after images, which individuals can review and classify from their smartphones. When significant changes are detected, such as those indicative of a star explosion, researchers can promptly initiate further observations for in-depth analysis. The recent discovery, detailed in a publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, underscores the indispensable role of amateur astronomers in this collaborative effort.

Among those who contributed to this finding was a resident of Sofia, Bulgaria, who engaged with the project during his bus commute amidst the bustling city traffic. He noted that the Kilonova Seeker project provided a productive and engaging way to pass the time. Another contributor from Brazil shared that participating in the search helped distract him from serious health concerns. All individuals who identified the variable star, designated GOTO0650, are credited as co-authors of the study. It is believed that GOTO0650 comprises a white dwarf star that siphons material from its companion, sporadically leading to explosive events.

This collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists highlights the potential of public involvement in scientific research, showcasing how collective efforts can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy.