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Citizen Scientists and Artificial Intelligence Discover 430,000 Galaxies
Citizen scientists and artificial intelligence have collaborated to identify an impressive 430,000 galaxies scattered throughout the universe. Among this vast collection are 30,000 ring galaxies, considered to be one of the rarest galaxy shapes in existence. These groundbreaking discoveries mark the initial outcomes of the “GALAXY CRUISE” citizen science initiative, which enlisted the efforts of 10,000 volunteers to analyze data collected by the Subaru Telescope.
Situated near the peak of the dormant volcano Maunakea on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Subaru Telescope boasts an impressive 8.2-meter optical-infrared lens that captures a wealth of astronomical data. The sheer volume of information collected by this cutting-edge telescope often overwhelms astronomers, necessitating additional assistance in processing and categorizing new galaxies. In response to this challenge, the project welcomed the support of 10,000 citizen scientists, who, with the aid of AI technology, facilitated the identification and classification of these celestial wonders.
Unveiling the Enigma of Ring Galaxies
The universe is teeming with galaxies of varying shapes and sizes, each offering valuable insights into its cosmic evolution. Among the diverse array of galactic morphologies, the spiral galaxy, characterized by its swirling arms of stars, gas, and dust revolving around a central hub, is the most prevalent form, constituting 70 to 80% of all known galaxies.
In stark contrast, ring galaxies, which make up a mere 1 to 3% of observed galaxies, represent a rare and intriguing anomaly in the cosmic tapestry. Distinguished by concentric rings of bright blue young stars encircling ancient stellar cores, these enigmatic structures offer a unique window into the tumultuous collisions and mergers that shape our universe’s astronomical landscape.
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