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In Monterrey, Mexico, an amateur astronomer named Iván Venzor recently made a significant contribution to space research while enjoying dinner with his family. Using a Wi-Fi-enabled telescope from the French company Unistellar, Venzor recorded the fleeting moment when a Jupiter-sized planet passed in front of a distant star. This event is part of a broader initiative promoting citizen science, enabling individuals across the globe to participate in astronomical research.
Unistellar’s network of over 15,000 telescopes spans six continents, allowing users to engage in various projects, including tracking asteroids and discovering exoplanets. The telescopes are designed for simplicity, allowing users to select targets from a monthly list of observable events. The accompanying app aligns the telescope and captures necessary data, making contributions to scientific research accessible to everyone.
The technique employed in this initiative relies on a method known as occultation, where a celestial body temporarily dims the light from a star as it passes in front of it. By comparing observations from multiple locations, researchers can gather critical information about the size and trajectory of these objects.
To enhance accessibility, Unistellar has partnered with organizations like Astronomers Without Borders to donate telescopes to underserved communities and educational institutions. This effort has transformed astronomy into a communal activity, fostering engagement and education. For instance, a donated telescope became a central tool for teaching and outreach at a university in Rio de Janeiro, while in Armenia, it has been used to engage over 2,000 children in stargazing events.
The initiative’s impact on scientific discovery is noteworthy. At a recent American Geophysical Union meeting, it was reported that the telescope network has helped detect 136 asteroids and is assisting NASA in refining the orbits of approximately 20 exoplanets. Upcoming research will detail the discovery of a rare binary asteroid, highlighting the value of citizen-collected data.
Future plans for the network include automation and improved inclusivity. By April, 50 observers will test new hardware that allows for remote control of telescopes, enhancing data collection during key events. There are also efforts to expand the network into underrepresented regions, such as Africa and parts of South America, inviting more individuals to partake in astronomical exploration and discovery.
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