A Solar Neighborhood Census, Thanks to NASA Citizen Science.

 Unlocking the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood requires a collaborative effort that extends beyond traditional scientific methods. In a groundbreaking initiative, NASA teamed up with citizen scientists worldwide, creating a dynamic partnership that has revolutionized our understanding of nearby celestial bodies. Through the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project, more than 3,500 cosmic objects have been meticulously cataloged, unveiling a wealth of discoveries within 65 light-years of our Sun.

his artist's concept by citizen scientist William Pendrill shows, at left, a cool brown dwarf called a T Dwarf, and, at right, a warmer brown dwarf passing in front of a distant star. Pendrill, also an illustrator, participates in Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, which uses NASA data to look for brown dwarfs and other objects.

Published in The Astrophysical Journal, a recent study showcases the fascinating results of this cosmic census. One striking revelation is the abundance of stars compared to brown dwarfs in this region, shedding light on the intricate balance of cosmic phenomena. Notably, low-mass objects emerge as a prevalent feature, hinting at distinct processes shaping our stellar environment.

Lead author J. Davy Kirkpatrick, from Caltech’s IPAC in Pasadena, California, underscores the significance of these findings. "There is something about the process of star formation buried in those data," he notes, hinting at deeper insights yet to be unraveled. Brown dwarfs, occupying a unique space between stars and planets, add an intriguing dimension to this cosmic narrative. Their formation, distinct from higher-mass stars, underscores the complexity of stellar birth.

The pivotal role of citizen scientists cannot be overstated. Their contributions accelerated the identification process by a decade or more, a testament to the power of collaborative science. By bridging the gap between professional researchers and enthusiastic volunteers, this endeavor has propelled our cosmic exploration forward, offering tantalizing clues about the origins and diversity of celestial bodies in our solar neighborhood.

The collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists has been instrumental in Advancing our understanding of the cosmos. Through initiatives like Backyard Worlds, volunteers from diverse backgrounds have played a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood.

Using innovative tools like WiseView, developed by a group of citizen scientists, volunteers have contributed significantly by identifying moving objects in sets of images from NASA's WISE and NEOWISE missions. This process, facilitated by citizen scientists, has streamlined the project's efficiency, making it more accessible and productive for researchers like Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick's Stellar Ambassadors program further demonstrates the valuable contributions of citizen scientists. By delving into scientific literature, volunteers have helped compile crucial information about cosmic objects, enhancing our knowledge base and paving the way for deeper insights.

Looking ahead, the next phase of this research involves analyzing data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This cutting-edge instrument is focused on studying molecular clouds, the birthplaces of stars, brown dwarfs, and planets. By leveraging this data, scientists aim to unravel the unique characteristics of these cosmic seeds and deepen our understanding of their formation processes.

One exemplary citizen scientist from the project is Léopold Gramaize from Paris, whose dedication and passion for astronomy have led to significant discoveries. His journey from airport director to co-author of scientific studies highlights the inclusive nature of citizen science and its ability to engage individuals from diverse professions and interests.

The success of projects like Backyard Worlds underscores the power of collaboration and the immense potential of citizen science in advancing astronomical research. With over 40 citizen science projects associated with NASA, participation is open to everyone globally, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery and exploration beyond our plane.