Welcome to the Black Hole Finder, an exciting citizen science project dedicated to discovering black holes, particularly those formed from the fusion of two neutron stars. You have the unique opportunity to contribute to this cutting-edge research from the comfort of your home, using your phone, tablet, or computer.
Our app brings the cosmos to your fingertips. When two neutron stars merge, they create a powerful event, sending gravitational waves through space. These events are detected by our gravitational wave detectors, which alert us to potential black hole formations. Mergers of this kind not only create black holes but also give birth to rare Earth elements such as Iodine, Gold, and Cerium. All these elements, especially Iodine, play crucial roles in supporting life as we know it.
In addition to gravitational waves, these cosmic collisions emit light signals. The chase is on to detect these signals with our trio of specially designed BlackGEM telescopes located in Chile. The catch is that the detectors only provide a general localization of the event and the light signals are fleeting. Therefore, we need to act quickly to capture these signals before they fade away after a few days or a week at most.
That's where you come in! Using our app, you will sift through real-time images of the sky taken by our BlackGEM telescopes. You will help us spot these light signals, effectively identifying potential new black holes. Not only will you be possibly among the first to set eyes on the light from these celestial events, but with some training, you may also direct telescopes to take additional measurements of intriguing objects.
Your contributions to science won't go unnoticed. Participants who make significant discoveries will be offered co-authorship on scientific publications that result from their findings. We also provide training and guidance to enrich your understanding of the cosmos.
The Black Hole Finder project is not just about making significant scientific contributions. It's about engaging with the wonders of the universe, learning about the intricate processes that drive its dynamics, and having fun while doing it!
So, join us on this thrilling journey of discovery and exploration. Download the Black Hole Finder app now and start your cosmic adventure!
