A global network of small, Wi-Fi-enabled telescopes has enabled hobby astronomers to contribute to astronomical research, discovering hundreds of asteroids, comets, and exoplanets. The network, led by the French company Unistellar, has expanded its reach through partnerships with nonprofits and universities, making it accessible to communities worldwide. This collaborative effort has transformed the way people engage with space science, providing new opportunities for research and education.
Forecast for 6 months: The Unistellar network is expected to expand its reach to 20,000 telescopes, with a significant increase in discoveries of asteroids, comets, and exoplanets. The network will also implement machine learning algorithms to minimize false observations caused by clouds or satellites.
Forecast for 1 year: The network will successfully detect over 500 asteroids and contribute to the discovery of several exoplanets. The partnership with NASA will continue to refine the orbits of exoplanets, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
Forecast for 5 years: The Unistellar network will become a leading platform for citizen science in astronomy, with over 50,000 telescopes worldwide. The network will have made significant contributions to the discovery of exoplanets, asteroids, and comets, and will have played a crucial role in the development of new space missions.
Forecast for 10 years: The Unistellar network will have expanded its reach to over 100,000 telescopes worldwide, making it a global leader in citizen science. The network will have made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy, including the detection of potentially habitable exoplanets and the study of the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
