Have you ever wanted to discover a new planet?
April 16th 2011 02:51
Now is your chance to do just that.
Planet Hunters is inviting volunteers to look through data collected on hundreds of thousands of stars for patterns that could mean a planet is orbiting it.
When multiple people spot the same pattern, it is forwarded for further investigation. If it appears to be a new discovery, then they will follow up to obtain spectroscopic data using the Keck telescope in Hawaii. If the transit candidate passes all of the screening tests, the result will be submitted for publication. Planet Hunters who discover new transiting planets will be included as co-authors on their papers.
There is a quick tutorial that shows you what to look for and two short, slightly more detailed videos available to watch. It is very easy and quite addicting, especially when you find one that they are forwarding for further investigation.
If your interested check out Planet Hunters for more information or to start looking for planets.
Planet Hunters is inviting volunteers to look through data collected on hundreds of thousands of stars for patterns that could mean a planet is orbiting it.
When multiple people spot the same pattern, it is forwarded for further investigation. If it appears to be a new discovery, then they will follow up to obtain spectroscopic data using the Keck telescope in Hawaii. If the transit candidate passes all of the screening tests, the result will be submitted for publication. Planet Hunters who discover new transiting planets will be included as co-authors on their papers.
There is a quick tutorial that shows you what to look for and two short, slightly more detailed videos available to watch. It is very easy and quite addicting, especially when you find one that they are forwarding for further investigation.
If your interested check out Planet Hunters for more information or to start looking for planets.
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