Photo credit: science.nasa.gov
A mobile device, a computer, and your curiosity are all you need to embark on a scientific journey with NASA as a citizen scientist, engaging in projects related to Earth, the solar system, and beyond.
Science is often constructed from small contributions, and anyone can make theirs from anywhere in the world.
Imagine uncovering a groundbreaking discovery in the universe, aiding in solutions that enhance life on Earth, or unraveling ancient cosmic mysteries. All this is achievable through NASA’s Citizen Science program.
Nasa characterizes citizen science, or participatory science, as initiatives that depend on volunteer contributions, according to Dr. Marc Kuchner, an astrophysicist and the agency’s Citizen Science Officer in the Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C.
For many years, volunteers have assisted NASA researchers across various fields and projects, contributing in numerous ways such as taking measurements and sorting data from NASA missions, enriching our knowledge of both the universe and our planet.
“Collaboration is at the heart of science,” stated Kuchner, who oversees over 30 citizen science initiatives at NASA. “I serve as the bridge connecting the public with scientists to facilitate more NASA discoveries.”
Citizen scientists are welcomed from around the globe; participants are not limited to U.S. citizens or residents. Volunteers assist NASA in identifying exoplanets in distant solar systems, categorizing cloud types on Earth, observing solar eclipses, and detecting comets and asteroids. In some cases, the volunteers are honored by having space objects named after them.
Widespread participation is crucial for projects requiring vigilant human observation. “Some scientific endeavors simply can’t progress without a large team,” Kuchner noted. Projects that demand extensive datasets from space telescopes, or those needing hands-on observations from various locations, particularly benefit from volunteer involvement.
An illustrative example is Aurorasaurus, which engages participants in observing and classifying auroras in both the northern and southern hemispheres. “Although we gather data through satellites, involving individuals on the ground to capture photographs at varied times and places enhances our understanding,” he explained.
“Our mission is to share not just captivating satellite imagery but the comprehensive experience of engaging in scientific exploration,” said Kuchner.
With more than 3 million participants, the program reflects a keen interest in what Kuchner refers to as the science “roller coaster.” “People are eager to join us on this adventure, and we’re excited to include them,” he added.
“You can assist scientists at NASA and other facilities worldwide in unearthing fascinating information,” remarked Faber Burgos, a citizen scientist from Colombia. “It has always been my dream to leave a mark in history.”
Burgos has dedicated four years to two projects: the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), focusing on potentially hazardous asteroids, and Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, which employs data from NASA’s prior Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, now known as NEOWISE, to locate brown dwarfs and investigate a theoretical ninth planet.
“This project is enriched by the participation of passionate individuals,” Kuchner noted, expressing pride in helping launch it in 2015. WISE and NEOWISE identified around 2 billion celestial sources. “The challenge lies in deciphering whether any of these sources are new discoveries,” he explained.
To date, the initiative has identified over 4,000 brown dwarfs, celestial objects that are too massive to be classified as planets yet too small to be designated as stars. Volunteers have even uncovered a new type of brown dwarf.
Participants remain hopeful about potentially identifying a ninth planet, speculated to be Neptune-sized, situated beyond Pluto’s orbit.
Burgos described the ease of analyzing these images: “If you see a moving object, it warrants attention.” Typically, most images are static, but any activity prompts further observation. Once a citizen scientist flags an object through the complete image sequence, the findings are submitted to NASA researchers for assessment.
“As a citizen scientist, I’m proud to contribute, and I hope to one day make a significant discovery,” he shared. “That’s the essence of NASA—it invites everyone to embrace scientific inquiry. Here, what truly matters is your desire to learn.”
To embark on your journey as a NASA citizen scientist, visit the program’s official website, where a comprehensive list of available projects, including links to project-specific sites, can be found. Several projects are accessible in Spanish and other languages, with many hosted on the Zooniverse platform since its inception in 2006.
“Joining one of our live events is another excellent way to get involved,” Kuchner encouraged. These public virtual gatherings feature NASA scientists showcasing their projects and inviting participation. “Choose a project that interests you—and if it doesn’t resonate, don’t hesitate to explore others,” he advised. “Building connections with scientists and fellow participants can lead to rewarding relationships.”
Citizen scientists of all ages are welcome. Kid-friendly projects include Nemo-Net, an interactive iPad game that encourages participants to color coral reefs for classification purposes. “I recommend young people start there or engage in a project with a more experienced mentor,” Kuchner suggested.
Citizen science initiatives also extend to educational settings. In the Growing Beyond Earth project, teachers and students conduct experiments on plant growth in space, while the IASC collaborates with high schools to help students identify asteroids.
GLOBE Observer represents an international effort uniting teachers and students through various projects, many of which are available in Spanish, inviting participants to collect data via their mobile devices.
A standout project is the GLOBE Mosquito Habitat Mapper, which monitors mosquito migration and dispersal vectors responsible for diseases such as malaria and Zika. “This initiative plays a crucial role in saving lives—tracking disease-carrying vectors,” emphasized Kuchner.
Other GLOBE projects investigate a range of topics, from land coverage to cloud formations, using widely visible astronomical events as measurement opportunities. During the total solar eclipse in 2024, for instance, participants are invited to measure air temperatures and submit their data to NASA scientists.
No prior experience is required, yet numerous volunteers later go on to initiate or lead scientific research. Over 500 NASA citizen scientists have collaborated on scientific publications.
Among them is Hugo Durantini Luca from Córdoba, Argentina, who boasts participation in 17 published articles with more in the pipeline. He has spent years exploring different science projects, searching for one that aligns with his desire for active involvement.
Durantini Luca began with NASA’s inaugural citizen science project, Stardust@home, which invites users to search for interstellar dust particles collected during the Stardust mission using a virtual microscope.
In 2014, he discovered Disk Detective, a project designed to identify disks surrounding stars where planets may emerge. By analyzing WISE and NEOWISE images, participants contribute to understanding planet formation and solar system evolution.
“Naturally, if we encounter planets or signs of extraterrestrial life, it’s an added perk,” Durantini Luca acknowledged.
While that remains a hopeful aspiration, other discoveries have been made, including a unique stellar disk identified as the “Peter Pan Disk,” which exhibits age-defying characteristics compared to the star it encircles.
In 2016, Durantini Luca had the opportunity to support Disk Detective with his observations from the Southern Hemisphere. He visited the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CASLEO), an observatory in San Juan, Argentina, where he learned to use a spectrograph—an instrument used to analyze starlight composition.
He cherishes this experience, stating, “Curiously, it was my first time ever using a telescope.”
While in-person events are few and far between, both virtual and physical gatherings foster community among citizen scientists. Participants maintain connections weekly across various platforms.
“Several of us have forged friendships over the years, sharing countless laughs on calls,” Durantini Luca reflected.
“Participants often share photographs of their meet-ups,” Kuchner mentioned. He noted that the program has also transformed his approach to science. “Participating has enriched my life,” he stated. “Science is already engaging—and this makes it even more so.”
Source
science.nasa.gov