The Zooniverse (Abstract)

Volume 47 number 2 (2019)

L. Clifton Johnson

Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA), Northwestern University, 1800 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201; lcj@northwestern.edu

Abstract

(Abstract only) Zooniverse has become the world’s largest and most popular platform for people-powered research since its modest inception in 2007 as Galaxy Zoo. Zooniverse research is made possible by volunteers—hundreds of thousands of people around the world who come together to assist professional researchers. The goal of Zooniverse is to enable research that would not be possible, or practical, otherwise. Zooniverse research results in new discoveries, and datasets useful to the wider research community. This presentation will highlight the history and highlights of the Zooniverse, as well as presenting some personal perspectives of a researcher who has benefited from citizen science work on star clusters in the Andromeda Galaxy and Local Group. It will also highlight future efforts regarding variable stars and upcoming all-sky surveys.