The ZARTH (ZTF Augmented Reality Transient Hunter) app, developed by astronomers at the California Institute of Technology, merges astronomy and gaming. It employs data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) to engage astronomy enthusiasts and the public. ZARTH’s augmented reality platform enables users to “hunt” for transient cosmic events like supernovae and flaring stars, using data collected by the ZTF robotic telescope at Palomar Observatory. This unique fusion of science and gaming offers an interactive way to explore the cosmos and earn points by discovering these short-lived phenomena.
Prelims pointer
- ZTF (Zwicky Transient Facility): A robotic telescope located at Palomar Observatory, frequently scanning the sky to identify sudden cosmic events such as supernovae and flaring stars.
- Augmented Reality: Technology that overlays digital elements onto the real world, as seen in the ZARTH app, enhancing the user’s environment and experience.
- Supernovae: Powerful stellar explosions resulting in extremely bright bursts of light and energy, categorized as transients and a key focus of the ZARTH app.
- Palomar Observatory: A well-known astronomical observatory in California, housing telescopes like ZTF, vital for gathering data on transient cosmic events.
