Record-Setting Observation of Supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy by Citizen Scientists Reveals Cosmic Cataclysms

A remarkable cooperation between citizen scientists, the SETI Institute, and Unistellar has resulted in unprecedented observations of the supernova 2023ixf. This research, which involved 123 observers, created the longest continuous light curve of this particular supernova recorded so far, underlining the significant role of citizen science in furthering astronomical study.

This combined effort of both professional and amateur scientists broadens our knowledge about extraordinary cosmic events and expands our comprehension of the universe.

The Cosmic Cataclysms program, a joint initiative between the SETI Institute and Unistellar, saw its amateur astronomers make a significant breakthrough with their observation of the supernova (SN) 2023ixf. The citizen scientists began their observation just an hour after the supernova was first spotted and have since collected the most extensive continuous light curve of this supernova published to date. The endeavor involved 123 participants and made use of Unistellar’s eVscope. Observations are scheduled to continue until the supernova fades from view, which is expected to happen sometime in August. This achievement highlights the significant contribution of citizen scientists to the progress of astronomical research.

“It’s truly amazing what this citizen science network is capable of,” expressed Lauren Sgro, who, along with Tom Esposito, spearheaded the study. They are part of a research team at the SETI Institute supervised by Franck Marchis, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute and Chief Science Officer and co-founder at Unistellar. “This was the nearest supernova in the past ten years, and observers made the most out of this unique opportunity. Prompt and continued observations let us fully realize the potential of this program.”

Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society recently published a note that unveiled the details of the 35-day-long observation. During this time, 252 observations from 115 telescopes captured the escalating brightness of the supernova, followed by its gradual dimming. This extensive dataset, gathered thanks to the concerted efforts of dedicated amateur astronomers, offers valuable insights into the behavior of this supernova.

Supernova (SN) 2023ixf occurred in the Pinwheel Galaxy, a spiral galaxy approximately 21 million light-years away from Earth. The explosion, which likely led to the creation of a neutron star, was first spotted by Japanese amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki on May 19, 2023. However, other observers noted that it first appeared on May 18.

The citizen science campaign is an integral part of the Cosmic Cataclysms science program. This program, jointly undertaken by the SETI Institute and Unistellar and funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, enables citizen astronomers to contribute to the study of catastrophic events such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. Thanks to a newly developed alert system, the program enables participants to receive real-time notifications when objects of interest are detected, ensuring immediate initiation of observation campaigns. The examination of the increase and subsequent fading in brightness of these events assists researchers in revealing crucial details about the progenitor object and surrounding interstellar material.

Looking forward, the Unistellar network of citizen astronomers plans to collaborate with other teams to investigate similar transient events upon the commencement of operations at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile next year. By integrating the efforts of professional and citizen scientists, the exploration of cosmic catastrophes extends our understanding of the universe’s extraordinary phenomena.

Reference: “Photometry of Type II Supernova SN 2023ixf with a Worldwide Citizen Science Network” by Lauren A. Sgro, Thomas M. Esposito, and others, July 2023, Research Notes of the AAS.
DOI: 10.3847/2515-5172/ace41f

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More about Citizen Science Supernova Observation

• SETI Institute
• Unistellar
• Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society
• Vera C. Rubin Observatory
• Richard Lounsbery Foundation
• Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation