Photo credit: science.nasa.gov
Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles serve as fundamental pillars of the scientific community. Each article signifies the culmination of extensive research, having undergone rigorous scrutiny for its accuracy and relevance, marking it as a significant achievement for the research team involved.
The author of these papers bears the responsibility of drafting, revising, and refining the manuscript based on feedback obtained from colleagues, peers, and journal editors. This extensive revision process goes beyond simple wording changes; it often necessitates a deep dive into the data for reanalysis and potentially conducting additional experiments. Successfully navigating this complex endeavor often results in the author being designated as the first author on a peer-reviewed article. Notably, an increasing number of citizen scientists associated with NASA have bravely embraced this demanding journey, showcasing their remarkable capabilities.
Among these trailblazers is Michiharu Hyogo, whose paper titled “Unveiling the Infrared Excess of SIPS J2045-6332: Evidence for a Young Stellar Object with Potential Low-Mass Companion” (Hyogo et al. 2025) has recently been accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Hyogo had the idea for this research, conducted the majority of the analysis using data from NASA’s retired Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, and ultimately submitted the work for publication. We took the opportunity to ask him some questions about his journey and insights into his success.
Q: Where do you reside, Michi?
A: I have been living in Tokyo, Japan since the end of 2012. Prior to that, I spent 21 years living outside Japan in various countries, including Canada, the USA, and Australia.
Q: Which NASA Citizen Science projects have you participated in?
A: Currently, I am involved in three NASA-sponsored initiatives: Disk Detective, Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, and Planet Patrol.
Q: What are your activities outside of these projects?
A: Until March of last year, I served as a part-time lecturer at a local university in Tokyo. Currently, I am seeking similar positions. My aspiration is to teach at a community college in the USA, though my job search has not yet yielded success. In the near future, I hope to balance teaching with pursuing projects like this one—this is my ambition.
Q: How did you first become involved with NASA Citizen Science?
A: My journey began years after I earned my master’s degree around 2011, when a friend from the University of Hawaii introduced me to one of the Zooniverse projects—though I cannot recall which one it was, possibly Galaxy Zoo. I participated in Planet Hunters, where I classified all of the light curves from about 150,000 observations made by NASA’s Kepler observatory. Shortly after that, I learned about Disk Detective at its inception through a Facebook post that highlighted it as NASA’s first citizen science project with the aim of publishing scientific papers.
At that time, I was unemployed, so I joined the project impulsively, not foreseeing that it could lead to me writing my own paper—a dream I never envisioned coming true.
Q: What have you gained from your involvement in these NASA projects?
A: Participating in these NASA-sponsored initiatives has granted me invaluable experience in various facets. Scientifically, I have developed practical skills in analyzing astronomical data, identifying celestial objects, and making contributions to genuine research projects. Through Disk Detective, Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, and Planet Patrol, I learned to systematically classify data and apply astrophysical principles in a real-world context.
Beyond technical expertise, I now understand the significant impact citizen science can have on professional research. Collaborative efforts with experts and fellow volunteers have sharpened my communication skills regarding scientific concepts and fostered my integration within the research community.
Most importantly, these projects have instilled in me a sense of purpose and the chance to engage in groundbreaking discoveries, culminating in opportunities to co-author scientific papers—something I had never dreamed would occur when I initially joined. All of these experiences have intensified my passion for astronomy and my commitment to continuing my contributions to the field.
Q: Can you share how you made the discovery detailed in your paper?
A: The original aim of my project was to identify circumstellar disks surrounding brown dwarfs. The Disk Detective team had compiled over 1,600 promising candidates believed to possess such disks, identified by volunteers adhering to specific physical criteria.
I managed to locate an object with the most significant infrared excess and the fourth-latest spectral type. This intriguing discovery prompted me to delve deeper into its characteristics.
Although we did not uncover a disk around this object, we revealed fascinating attributes, including its youthful nature and the presence of a low-mass companion classified as a spectral type L3 to L4.
Q: What was your reaction when your paper was accepted for publication?
A: I cannot express how grateful I am for this question. It feels like I have achieved the most remarkable milestone in my life!
This accomplishment marks a genuine positive impact on society, which feels surreal. If only I could go back five years in time to tell my past self about this journey, I’m certain my previous self would have thought I was out of my mind.
I’ve dreamt about this achievement for so long, striving toward it as a fundamental aspect of my life since childhood. I take pride in accomplishing this without formal employment at a university or research institution (ironically, I had not achieved anything like it during graduate school).
While I can’t cite parallels in the history of science, I have a strong feeling this represents a rare accomplishment.
Q: What advice would you offer to fellow citizen scientists regarding the process of writing a paper?
A: There are several crucial points to note.
First, do not attempt to conduct research entirely independently. Engage with field experts whenever possible. In my case, I was fortunate to collaborate with brown dwarf specialists from the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 team. After drafting my paper, I sent it to my collaborators for comments and feedback, ultimately enhancing the paper’s quality and clarity.
If you are new to receiving feedback, it might feel daunting. However, perceive it as a golden opportunity that can lead to stronger research results. I found the feedback I received to be invaluable, contributing to the positive reception from referees during submission—as I experienced.
Second, do not presume that others will automatically grasp your research. This is a common hurdle for many citizen scientists. You must possess clarity on your research project and communicate your progress effectively and succinctly. If questions arise—especially when you hit a roadblock—be specific.
For instance, I frequently participate in Zoom meetings for various projects, including Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 and Disk Detective. In every session, I provide a brief summary of my current work to help the audience recall details. This keeps them engaged and better able to assist with my inquiries.
Lastly, leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) wherever feasible. AI can significantly enhance tasks like editing, proofreading, and debugging. I often find it surprising that some individuals still approach these tasks manually; this can be a considerable loss of time. I firmly believe that we should utilize machines for tasks we either do not need to handle personally or struggle to manage. This approach maximizes efficiency and productivity.
Q: Thank you for these valuable insights! Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all my collaborators for their unwavering patience and support throughout this endeavor. Although we have never met face to face, I truly appreciate your trust as we’ve navigated this entirely online communication method. Without your assistance, none of my achievements would have been feasible.
I am now contemplating taking on additional research projects. My quest within astronomical research is far from over, and I hope you will continue to follow my journey as I strive to further my contributions and support others along the way.
Source
science.nasa.gov