[CAnet - news] The Next Generation of Distributed Computing - PlanetQuest

For more information on this item please visit the CANARIE CA*net 4 Optical
Internet program web site at http://www.canarie.ca/canet4/library/list.html
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[Great web site for those interested in exo-planet astronomy - but they are
also developing the tools for the next generation of distributed computing
to truly enable eResearch and eScience by professionals and
non-professionals alike.  Great for exposing students to the new generation
of scientific tools -- BSA]

http://www.planetquest.org/download/

Imagine the next generation of distributed computing -a way not just to
contribute your cpu cycles to other people's science projects, but also to 
perform your own experiments, collaborate with others around the world in 
different types of observations, classify stars no one has ever classified 
before, and learn about math, astronomy, and physics. Imagine a distributed 
computing tool that encourages you to create and share your own 
constellations and asterisms, that allows you to participate in global 
observing missions, and that creates communities.  Watch the PlanetQuest 
website for additional details soon about what we're building into the 
Collaboratory-there's nothing like it!


PlanetQuest Collaboratory: The Next Generation of Distributed Computing
Current Status: Development and Alpha Testing

The PlanetQuest Collaboratory will turn your computer (Mac, PC, Linux, and
others) into a virtual astronomical observatory that you can use to make and
share real scientific discoveries. You can classify stars no one has
cataloged before, use the Collaboratory to do your own research, and maybe
even find a new planet! We are working hard to develop and test the
Collaboratory (you can help by making a tax-deductible donation), but here's
a preview.

Producing Light Curves, Point by Point
My Finds

This is where you'll store all the discoveries you've made, including planet
candidates, classified stars, asteroids, comets, new star types, and more. A
treasure chest full of your real discoveries.

Light Curve Production

The world's first automated rapid light curve production facility, which you
can watch as it works on your data. It takes raw pixel data from
observations and corrects and normalizes, given input constraints and
PlanetQuest optimization algorithms. 
 
Star Summary

This shows up-to-date thumbnail information about your current target star,
including coordinates, name, status, and other information.  You can export
target coordinates to either your telescope or third party observing
software (like Celestia). 

Stellar Neighborhood Explorer

This module allows users to explore the region around the star they are
currently working on. It uses RA & Dec coordinates to overlay onto a
navigable starmap, giving you an opportunity to explore the neighborhood and
learn about the nearby stellar bodies and formations around them.
Explore Your Target's Stellar Neighborhood

Stellar Classifier/Modeler

This is a real-time rendering of the current star's light curve against
known models displayed in 3-d OpenGL format.  
Eclipsing Binary Classifier/Modeler

Similar to the above, but focused only on modeling and mapping eclipsing
binaries. 

Light Curve Planetary Detector

Once you've got a light curve drawn, you'll use this to see a real-time
rendering of the current star's light curve against hypothesis tests in 3-d
OpenGL format.

Planet Finder

You'll be using our unique algorithms to hunt for planets. Watch as your
Collaboratory automatically calibrates itself based on your star's type and
tries all possible mathematical combinations to uncover the planet that
might be lurking around your star.

Interact

See who's working on stars nearby you in the sky and strike up a
conversation!  You can meet friends while you learn about the universe
together. Create science teams with your new friends.
Learn

Learn about your discoveries! What's a Delta Scuti star?  What's a Cepheid
Variable? How do comets form?  The answers are a click away in your
Collaboratory. 

Sky Spotting

Collaborate with other astronomers around the world to track and report on
astronomical events.  The Collaboratory provides an easy way to record your
observations and share your discoveries with the world! 

Real-time Light Curve Planetary Detector
Run Your Own Experiments

Want to look for asteroids? Comets? Gravitational lense events? We've built
the basic algorithms right into the Collaboratory. You change the variables
and assumptions as you like.
My Stats

Allows you to view your and your team's current processing statistics.
Planet Formation Modeling

Optional experiment that allows you to run hypothesis tests using given
mathematical models to understand how and why planets form. The
Collaboratory returns the degree of correlation for given models. You can
help scientists learn how and why planets form the way they do!

 


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These news items and comments are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect
those  of the CANARIE board or management.


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[email protected]
www.canarie.ca/~bstarn
skype: pocketpro
SkypeIn: +1 614 441-9603


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