Classification of Galaxies: The Galaxy Zoo Project

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Table of Contents

Background
Research Methods and Activities
Results
Discussions
Works Cited

Background

Astronomy can be regarded as the science of collecting, systematizing, and deducing valuable information from space data. Most astronomical work is based on the interpretation of large quantities of data collected from space using telescopes. Traditionally, sky observers collected a lot of information which they used to analyze and make conclusions about various space aspects. While traditional astronomy relied on a small number of space objects for studies, modern astronomy rely on large data sets which can map large portions of the universe. Currently, most astronomical work is carried out using advanced equipment such as telescopes, detectors and computers. As a result, large datasets can be produced and analyzed by high-tech computers yielding the desired results.

The information collected from the sky by telescope provides a rich and vast source of information that can be used for analysis by experts and students. Normally, computers are used to perform numerical simulations and analyses. However, these large data sources cannot be analyzed properly using simulation alone. Despite the advanced space observatory equipment and computer analysis techniques, there are many technical problems such as wrong visualization and inaccurate numerical simulation. It is therefore necessary that these large datasets are subjected to both observation and computer simulation for accurate results to be generated (Brunner, Djorgovski, Prince, and Szalay 934). This calls for scientists and students to study space images, classify them and make deductions from them (Chaisson and McMillan 5). This is achieved using data mining techniques where students and scientists collect valuable information from various websites, analyze it and make a deduction about the universe. In this project, images from the Zooniverse website were studied, classified and analyzed so as to generate information about universe formation (Zooniverse 1).

Research Methods and Activities

The website

For this project, data was collected from the Zooniverse website. This website contains information about space objects and formations. The website assist scientist and students analyze these formations and recording their deductions. These deductions are then compared with expert findings. The website provides an avenue for mining astronomical data and a platform where the views of different experts can be collected and compared with an individual’s views and analysis. The website allows scientists to participate in different science projects and experiments and record their observations.

An overview of the selected project

The selected project for this work was “how do galaxies form”. This project is based on the galaxy pictures taken by NASA’s Hubble space telescope. This telescope takes thousands of pictures from space. In order for scientist to gain a better understanding of how these galaxies are formed, they must be classified into their respective groups. According to Zooniverse (1), a study of the shape and physical characteristics of a given galaxy reveals pertinent details such as: the orbital dynamics, star formation processes and any nuclear activity occurring on it. For example, if the morphological mapping indicates that the galaxy has multiple nuclei, then, the galaxy formation process is controlled by stars merging up. However, if there are no multiple nuclei, then that galaxy formation is controlled by interior processes. The website displays space images and assists participants classify these pictures through the use of short questions. In the galaxy zoo project, the universe is classified by visual inspection. To make the prediction right, members of the public, students and scientists participate in the classification process. These classifications are far more accurate than those obtained using computer programs or from experts as very large number of people classify these formations (Zooniverse 1).

Description of tasks performed

The following tasks were performed during the project:

Description of the galaxy shape: The participant was presented with an image and asked to classify the image through comparison with a set of solutions provided. These questions prompted one to determine formations such as disk, spirals and elliptical formations.
Identification of odd features: This task promoted one to check odd galaxy features such as: ring, lens, arc, disturbed, dust lane, irregular shape and mergers.
Discussion of the object: This activity promoted the participant to discuss the image being studied. Through these discussions, pertinent views and perception from scientist, students and the general public can be collected.
Answering quizzes: The participant answered questions on astronomy. These questions enabled the participant gain an in-depth understanding of astronomical features.

Results

The flowing activities were carried out at the Zooniverse website:

Activity 1: Creating a profile

The first task was to create a file where all the projects tasks would be saved.

Activity 2: Identification and classification of different galaxies

The next main task was to identify the shapes of different galaxies and classify them. A total of 10 different galaxies were classified. The main tasks carried out during this classification include:

Identifying the shape of the galaxy
Identifying if a disk / spiral formation can be viewed edge on
Identifying if there are irregularities in the galaxy formation
Identifying whether there are mergers between the different stars in the galaxy
Identifying signs of dust lanes and tidal mergers
Identifying signs if the galaxy looks clumpy
Determining if the galaxy is flat, boxy or has a bulge at the center
Determining patterns in different galaxies

Activity 3: Discussion of the galaxies

After classification of the galaxies, a discussion of their formation was carried out. This was done by comparing the images with those found in astronomy books.

Activity 4: answering questions and quizzes

The website provides quizzes on different topics on astronomy and general science. These test questions assist the participant during the classification process. The questions ensure that the participant has background knowledge on stars and galaxies. A total of three quizzes were completed in this activity.

Discussions

Classification of the different galaxies based on their morphology must satisfy two main conditions. First, it must assist the astronomer to identify the space object and secondly, it should provide in-depth information about this space object. Classification of galaxies based on their visual appearance is one of the most imperative aspects during their study. Generally, galaxies are classified as elliptical, spiral or irregular galaxies (Schneider 92). It is generally thought that galaxies begin as elliptical disks that later spread and flatten to form spirals and flat galaxies (Schneider 89). In order to study different galaxies, a deep insight to their formation is necessary (Dick 20). This is achieved by studying their images.

The Zooniverse website provides large dataset of different galaxies. The website has thousands of pictures on the different galaxies taken by NASA’s Hubble telescope. The images provide a detailed view of numerous galactic objects. These pictures are used by scientist during the classification of different galaxies as well as understanding how they are formed. The website also provides an easy and straight forward method of classification based on an individual’s perception. The classification questions are detailed and they provide enough information on the classification process. From the answers, one can identify the following features:

The shape of the galaxy
A group of galaxies it belong to (elliptical, spiral or irregular)
Determine other features within the galaxies such as dust lanes
Determine whether the galaxy has a disc or spiral

The data provided in the website is accurate as it is collected with advanced NASA telescopes. The site also provides a rich source of information about the different galaxies and ways of identifying and classifying them. The website also provides detailed pictures on these galaxies and this assist one during their study. The pictures can also be magnified to allow a better view of the galaxies.

Despite the large amount of information provided, the website does not offer adequate training to those interested in the classification and morphological mapping of these galaxies. The only form of training is in form of quizzes which require one to have background knowledge on astronomy and general science. Generally there is little information that can assist one during classification process. For example, the site does not give information on how one can identify if a particular galaxy is round or spiral. The website does not also train the participant on ways of identifying different features and objects in these galaxies. Lack of this basic information may result to incorrect classification. The site should therefore provide initial training to the users on how to classify these galaxies.

Works Cited

Brunner, Robert J., George S. Djorgovski, Thomas A. Prince, and Alex S. Szalay. “Massive Datasets in Astronomy”, Handbook of Massive Data Sets. Ed. James Abello, Panos M. Pardalos, and Mauricio G. C. Resende. California: California Institute of Technology, 2002. 931-979. Print.

Chaisson, Eric, and Steve McMillan. Astronomy: A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe 2nd edn, Boston: Addison-Wesley, 2012. Print.

Dick, Steven. Discovery and Classification in Astronomy: Controversy and Consensus, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Print.

Schneider, Peter. Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Publishers, 2006. Print.

Zooniverse. Galaxy Zoo for Astronomers. 2013. Web.

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