"COIAS" (Come On! Impacting ASteroids) is a citizen science project where you can discover new asteroids, comets, and even Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) using actual image data from the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
The Mission: While over a million asteroids have been found, many small objects (a few hundred meters in size) remain hidden. By identifying these "lost" asteroids, you help astronomers create a more precise "Map of the Solar System" and contribute to Planetary Defense—protecting Earth by tracking objects that could potentially cross our orbit.
What You Will Do: Using our easy-to-use web application, you will:
Analyze High-Quality Images: Scan multiple images taken at different times to find moving objects.
Identify Candidates: Distinguish real asteroids from digital noise with the help of our automated detection system.
Report Your Findings: Send your data directly to the Minor Planet Center (MPC). Your discovery could be officially recognized and even named!
No Prior Experience Needed: COIAS is designed for everyone—from space enthusiasts to students. All you need is a computer and a web browser. No professional astronomical knowledge or expensive software is required.
Join a global community of asteroid hunters and be the first human to see a hidden piece of our universe!
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