What is Citizen Sky?
3-year citizen science project organized by the AAVSO focusing on the variable star, epsilon Aurigae
What is the AAVSO?
The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is a non-profit worldwide scientific and educational organization of amateur and professional astronomers who are interested in stars that change in brightness variable stars.
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae
Variable Star
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae Variable Star Eclipsing Binary
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae Variable Star Eclipsing Binary Variability first noted in 1821
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae Variable Star Eclipsing Binary Variability first noted in 1821 Period of 27.1 years
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae Variable Star Eclipsing Binary Variability first noted in 1821 Period of 27.1 years Eclipse lasts over 600 days
The star of our project… epsilon Aurigae Dr. Bob Stencel Lead Scientist
Why is this a good object for an IYA citizen science project? Good Timing!
Why is this a good object for an IYA citizen science project? Good Timing! Bright
Why is this a good object for an IYA citizen science project? Good Timing! Bright Lots of questions to answer
What will participants be doing? Citizen scientists will be recruited and: Trained to observe and report data on eps Aurs brightness
What will participants be doing? Citizen scientists will be recruited and: Trained to observe and report data on eps Aurs brightness Trained in variable star data analysis techniques
What will participants be doing? Citizen scientists will be recruited and: Trained to observe and report data on eps Aurs brightness Trained in variable star data analysis techniques Mentored during data analysis
What will participants be doing? Citizen scientists will be recruited and: Trained to observe and report data on eps Aurs brightness Trained in variable star data analysis techniques Mentored during data analysis Guided to write papers for JAAVSO
Our Tools: Web Site:
Our Tools: Web Site Planetarium trailer/Visualizations
Our Tools: Web Site Planetarium trailer/Visualizations Workshops
Our Tools: Workshops Aug 4-7, 2009 Adler Planetarium eps Aur background, observing, EPO Spring 2010 California Academy of Sciences Data analysis, scientific paper writing
Our Biggest Resource?
Our Biggest Resource? Our Participants!
Data Ideas/input Outreach Your specific skills
Our Goals: Help to answer questions about the system New interest in variables, astronomy, science Experience teamwork – scientific collaboration Participate in full scientific method
Organizations Involved: AAVSO Adler Planetarium California Academy of Sciences Johns Hopkins University University of Denver