Star Hunters
Project goal – to conduct simple scientific research using data from the TESS telescope, increasing the number of variable stars discovered by Ukrainian astronomers.
This course fits:
- school or university students interested in astronomy and its development;
- amateur astronomers wishing to progress from observations to data analysis.
Regularity of the project: every 2 months.
Duration: 1,5 months.
Eligibility requirements: fill out the registration form, complete the Variable Stars Lectures course and the Excel + Word mini-course.
Format: online lectures with the project mentors, continuous mentoring support throughout its entire duration, and practical work stages on our website.
Results of participation: practical skills in working with data from the TESS space telescope, a deeper understanding of the stages of conducting scientific research and the topic of variable stars, a certificate from our team, and publication of the research results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Why you should join
- Uniqueness: this project is one of the very few places where you can learn how to discover new variable stars;
- Accessibility: no prior experience is required, apart from successfully completing the Variable Stars Lectures course and the Excel+Word mini-course. Participants of any age can gain knowledge in variable star research free of charge;
- Scientific experience: a certificate and co-authorship in a scientific paper are significant advantages for a future researcher;
- New knowledge and skills: you will learn to work with data from the TESS space telescope, analyse stellar light curves, and understand their physics;
- Convenience: it takes just 3–4 hours a week to achieve results that will stay with you forever.
- Recognition: you have the opportunity to contribute to the development of Ukrainian and international astronomy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free?
➔ Yes, completely. To participate, all you need is a laptop or PC to calculate the periodicity of variable stars, a stable Internet connection, and a genuine enthusiasm for astronomy.
How many lectures will there be?
➔ There will be six lectures throughout the project. Participants will also conduct their own research while staying in touch with their mentors.
At what time will the classes take place?
➔ Lectures are usually held in the evening, Kyiv time (between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM). However, project participants have access to recordings that they can watch if they are unable to attend a session or wish to review the material. At the same time, please note that to receive a certificate, participants must attend at least 75% of the lectures.
Can I join if I don’t know anything about astronomy?
➔ Yes! Upon successful completion of the VSL and Excel + Word courses, you will be able to join the project and conduct research on variable star detection.
Do I need a powerful computer? What programs or tools need to be installed?
➔ No, you don’t need a powerful computer to participate in the project. A laptop or PC that can easily run the standard Microsoft Office suite is sufficient. Additionally, you will need to install Python.
Results:
Star hunters 1:
[01.02.2025 – 01.03.2025]
Number of participants: 9
Number of mentors: 2
Publication: The article is under review.
Star hunters 2:
[01.04.2025 – 01.05.2025]
Number of participants: 15
Number of mentors: 2
Innovation:
- Improvement of learning materials;
- Creation of a software tool for variable star period calculation;
- Development of an educational website for training in the classification and study of variable stars;
- Creation of a web-based tool that identifies whether a star is pulsating.
Star hunters 3:
[01.06.2025 – 01.07.2025]
Number of participants: 8
Number of mentors: 3
Innovation:
- Enhancement of educational materials;
- Expansion of the mentoring team.
Star hunters 4:
[01.08.2025 – 10.09.2025]
Number of participants: 7
Number of mentors: 4
Innovation:
- Creation of four methodological guides for each stage of work on the following topics:
- Variable and non-variable stars
- Databases and research papers
- Periods of variable stars
- Classification of variable stars
- Improvement of the website and creation of a platform capable of providing stars from the TESS telescope sector upon a project participant’s request.
- Improvement of the program for determining whether a star is pulsating.
- Expansion of the team of mentors within the project.
Join the new wave of “Star Hunters” (link to the form here).
Star Hunters is your guaranteed chance to get involved in Ukrainian astronomy!