Citizen Science Astronomy and Aerospace Education
Citizen Science and Astronomy
What It Means to Be a Citizen Scientist and Astronomer
Astronomy, one of the oldest professions, continues to evolve. While ancient civilizations used the stars to mark time and seasons, modern astronomers and citizen scientists now play a vital role in scientific discovery. From tracking asteroids to studying light pollution, citizen scientists contribute to space research. Some even have asteroids named after them!
In today's world, being an astronomer means more than just observing the night sky. With advancements in technology, astronomers must now understand a wide range of subjects. For example, planetary exploration relies heavily on robotics, rovers, and drones to study distant worlds. NASA’s Mars rovers, equipped with instruments for remote sensing and data collection, have been exploring the Red Planet for years. The Ingenuity helicopter, the first powered flight on another planet, demonstrates how astronomers and engineers must understand the intricacies of flight and remote operations in challenging environments.
Citizen scientists, too, have launched CubeSats into space, participating in satellite design and deployment. To be part of this, aspiring astronomers must learn robotics, rover technology, drone operation, and how to interpret data from remote sensing instruments. These skills go beyond STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and delve into planetary sciences, atmospheric sciences, space agriculture, and much more.
Astronomers not only explore the universe but also design and operate the tools used to uncover its secrets. Many astronomers become engineers, creating the very spacecraft, satellites, and rovers that allow us to discover new worlds. By joining citizen science platforms like Zooniverse, anyone can contribute to projects ranging from spotting asteroids to studying wildlife patterns or monitoring light pollution.
In short, becoming a modern citizen scientist or astronomer means embracing multiple disciplines, working on exciting projects, and contributing to humanity's understanding of the cosmos. You’re not just exploring the skies; you’re also part of a larger scientific community shaping our future in space.
