Mapping Galaxies

The next three labs all involve crowdsource science opportunities.

Goal: To become familiar with galaxy structures and methods used to analyze them

When possible, this assignment focuses on the Milky Way, but if there are no current Zooniverse projects, I will assign a project that uses the methods commonly used to map and analyze the Milky Way or other galaxies. The Zicky's Quirky Transients activity asks you to help identify bogus objects in astronomical pictures so that astronomers can focus on actual astronomical objects. This exercise should give you some appreciation for the challenges faced even when using excellent equipment.

Materials and Processes

• Select a Zooniverse project that uses standard methods to map features of the Milky Way or other galaxies as your project for this lab.

  As of Jan 2023, your best option is the Galaxy Zoo project.

• Create a Zooniverse account if you do not already have one.
• Read "About" the assigned Zooniverse Project.
• Use the "Learn More" and project tutorial to become familiar with the patterns you need to identify.
• Classify at least 20 objects as part of the assigned project.

Report

Summarize your findings: how many kinds of objects were you able to identify? What quantifiable data did you determine?

Discuss how crowdsource science can be useful and support academic research. What are the limitations and drawbacks? What are the advantages?

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