The Open Universe and Data-driven Astronomy

TL;DR

The paper discusses the Open Universe initiative promoting data-driven astronomy for outreach and education, demonstrating how accessible data and visualization tools can enhance understanding of stellar dynamics and support scientific thinking.

Contribution

It introduces the use of open astronomical data and visualization tools for educational outreach, exemplified by Gaia DR2 data analysis of stellar groups.

Findings

Data analysis can identify star clusters and stellar groups.

Visualization tools aid understanding of galactic stellar dynamics.

Open data promotes accessible astronomy education.

Abstract

Activities related to access to astronomical facilities and data could offer an effective, entry-level path for outreach and astronomy education. The Government of Italy proposed the Open Universe initiative that was adopted by the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs. Education in astronomy is a key method to promoting rational thinking and the scientific method. We shall discuss how new methods using available data need to be used for outreach and education to help vizualise and understand actual data. We shall show, using GAIA DR2 data, how present data analysis and visualization tools can be used to identify star clusters, moving groups and runaway stars. Thus, with this example, real data can be used to understand stellar dynamics in the galaxy.