Galaxy Cruise Season 2: Expanding Citizen Science-Based Galaxy Morphology Catalogs in the Local Universe
Itsna K Fitriana, M Tanaka

NAOJ/ITB

Abstract

We present preliminary results from Galaxy Cruise Season 2, a citizen science project designed to classify galaxy morphologies using deep optical imaging from the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) survey. Building upon the success of Season 1-which demonstrated the ability of citizen scientists to reliably identify spiral and interacting galaxies-we expand the sample to include fainter galaxies (down to Mr ~ -15) within the same redshift range (z &#8804- 0.2).

Season 2 introduces new challenges, particularly due to the increased variability in citizen classification results, as the targets become fainter and more complex. This requires careful correction and calibration to ensure the classifications can be reliably combined with those from Season 1, ultimately contributing to a unified and robust morphology catalog.

These preliminary analyses suggest that the resulting catalog will remain robust even for lower-luminosity galaxies and will be highly valuable for studies of galaxy evolution in the local universe. Importantly, the catalog will be made openly available to the astronomical community, enabling broader scientific use.

Beyond its scientific potential, Galaxy Cruise serves as an engaging platform that connects the public with astronomical research. It exemplifies a powerful public outreach tool that unites amateur and professional astronomers, fostering deeper public understanding of galaxy structure and evolution.

Keywords: citizen science, galaxy morphology, galaxy evolution, public outreach, local universe

Topic: Galaxies and Cosmology