The Auroral Zone: A citizen science project to classify auroral imaging data

Abstract:

Currently, over 40 million images of the aurora have been recorded by University of Calgary all-sky imagers. Analysis of these images is an important and crucial step in the advancement of auroral physics. The number of images waiting to be analyzed is expected to increase dramatically with the introduction of TREx (Transition Region Explorer), a new high resolution imaging network set to be deployed in late 2016. In order to classify large amounts of images in a short period of time, we have designed a citizen science project aimed at engaging the general public in auroral science, called “The Auroral Zone”. This project facilitates a symbiotic relationship between the scientific community and the general public. Using the data from this website, a large database of classified auroral images will be created and then used for future analysis by the scientific community. In exchange, the general public can learn about the aurora and contribute to auroral physics in a tangible way. The ultimate aim of this project is to create an ever expanding database of all-sky images classified by arc type (i.e. single arc, diffuse aurora, multiple arc, etc.) and filtered for adverse viewing conditions (i.e. snow, rain, light pollution, etc). We aim to introduce “The Auroral Zone” into the school systems to interest young scientists in the spectacular natural phenomenon that defines the Canadian North. “The Auroral Zone” is a collaborative project between the University of Calgary, Canadian Space Agency, AuroraMAX, and Aurorasaurus.