NASA Citizen Scientists Co-Author Over 650 Peer-Reviewed Papers
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More than 650 volunteers in NASA Citizen Science projects have co-authored peer-reviewed research papers with project scientists. Their contributions range from spotting comets in telescope data to studying Earth's atmosphere, and NASA provides resources to help new volunteers get involved and potentially become published authors.
Facts First
- Over 650 volunteers have co-authored peer-reviewed papers with NASA project scientists.
- Volunteer contributions include spotting comets, gamma-ray bursts, and brown dwarfs in space telescope data.
- NASA provides a webpage listing publications to help volunteers find projects that involve participants in papers.
- There are 42 citizen science projects currently online through NASA.
- High school, undergraduate, and graduate students have written papers with NASA citizen science project teams.
What Happened
More than 650 volunteers participating in NASA Citizen Science projects have co-authored peer-reviewed research papers with the scientists on those project teams. The peer-review process involves journal editors inviting other scientists to verify and validate research methods, novelty, and the importance of results. Once a paper passes peer-review, it is published for other scientists to read, criticize, and build upon, serving as the primary method for scientists to document and share discoveries.
Why this Matters to You
If you have an interest in space or science, you may be able to contribute directly to NASA research from your own home. Volunteers use tools like backyard telescopes to gather data on exoplanets and cell phones to report mosquito breeding habitats. By participating, you could receive coaching and mentorship from NASA scientists on the paper-writing process, and students from high school to graduate level have successfully co-authored papers through these programs.
What's Next
NASA provides resources for new volunteers. Citizen science officer Marc Kuchner advises finding a project where you can communicate directly with the scientists involved. NASA's webpage listing publications by citizen scientists can help you identify projects with a track record of involving volunteers in papers. Project teams often hold regular calls or meetings with participants and offer email lists for interaction, and NASA partner SciStarter hosts 'Do NASA Science Live' virtual events approximately once a month. Following instructions, asking questions, and studying scientific journal articles may help you find novel questions to explore.