How Did Citizen Scientists Spot a Star Fleeing Our Galaxy?

In an exciting development, NASA’s Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project has revealed a discovery made not by professional astronomers, but by citizen scientists. The object, named CWISE J1249, was detected by volunteers using data from NASA’s WISE mission. What makes this object special? It's moving so fast that it will eventually escape the Milky Way and head into intergalactic space—a phenomenon never before observed in an object of such low mass.

What Makes CWISE J1249 So Unique?

CWISE J1249 is not just speeding out of our galaxy at a staggering 1 million miles per hour; its identity is also a puzzle. This hypervelocity object could be a low-mass star or a brown dwarf, a type of celestial object that sits between stars and gas giant planets. Unlike most brown dwarfs, which are relatively common, CWISE J1249 is unique because it’s the only known object of its kind on a trajectory to leave the galaxy.

Why Is This Star Moving So Fast?

Scientists have proposed a few theories to explain the extraordinary speed of CWISE J1249. One hypothesis suggests that it was once part of a binary system with a white dwarf that exploded as a supernova, ejecting CWISE J1249 into space. Another possibility is that it originated from a globular cluster, where a close encounter with black holes might have flung it out at high velocity. The exact cause of this rapid motion remains a mystery that researchers are eager to solve.

What Role Did Citizen Scientists Play in This Discovery?

The discovery of CWISE J1249 is a testament to the power of citizen science. Volunteers Martin Kabatnik, Thomas P. Bickle, and Dan Caselden first spotted the fast-moving object in WISE images. Their keen observations and collaboration with professional astronomers led to the confirmation and study of this rare object. This team effort highlights how citizen scientists can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and expand our understanding of the universe.

What Does This Discovery Mean for the Future of Space Exploration?

The discovery of CWISE J1249 opens up new avenues for understanding the dynamics of our galaxy and the forces that can propel objects to such high speeds. It also showcases the importance of collaborative efforts between professionals and the public in space exploration. As we continue to search the skies, who knows what other cosmic mysteries citizen scientists might uncover next?

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To learn more about becoming a citizen scientist and participating in projects like Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, visit NASA’s Citizen Science platform and start your journey into the stars.

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