Welcome to the Troubleshooting Guide for NASA's Exoplanet Watch Citizen Science Project!
Getting Started with Exoplanet Watch
Welcome to EXOTIC: Begin your journey by visiting the EXOTIC Beginner Tutorial at https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/exotic/. This tutorial will guide you through the basics.
Google Account Setup: Ensure you have a Google account linked to Google Docs. If you don't have a Gmail address, don't worry; setting up a Google account doesn't mean you have to switch to Gmail.
Create an EXOTIC Folder: Organize your data by creating a folder named 'EXOTIC' under 'My Drive'.
AAVSO Account: Join the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) at https://www.aavso.org/. You don't need to be American to participate! You'll receive an Observer Code (OBSCODE), essential for data processing.
See AlsoUnveiling Titan's Secrets: A Surprising Discovery Beneath the SurfaceMind-Blowing Tech: Wireless Device Sends Light Directly to the Brain - Future of NeurobiologyJWST's Latest Findings: Methane Atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1e?Water vs Land: Unlocking Life on Rocky Exoplanets - Astrobiology InsightsSite and Equipment: Set up your observation site and equipment. If using NASA-provided data, find the necessary details here: https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/how-to-contribute/how-to-submit-your-data/
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Google Drive Location: If you can't find your Google Drive, go to https://drive.google.com/. Switch accounts if needed.
Folder Renaming: Rename 'cal' folders to 'darks'.
Dark Files Placement: Move dark files into a dedicated 'darks' folder.
Star Visibility: If you can't see stars, check for cloudy nights. Use DS9 software to analyze images and remove cloudy ones. Ensure the first image is clear for comp star selection.
Exoplanet Name: Refer to the 'READ ME' file for exoplanet names. Check filenames and our Results page for confirmation.
AAVSO Comparison Stars: Request comparison stars via https://www.aavso.org/request-comparison-stars-variable-star-charts/. Ensure the host star is in the AAVSO database.
Light Curve Upload: Post your light curve on Slack for feedback before uploading to the AAVSO Exoplanet Archive.
Image Submission: Send a field-of-view image of the target star to the AAVSO along with your report.
Observing with Your Telescope: Follow the 'How to Observe' guide at https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/how-to-contribute/how-to-observe/. Use NINA software for telescope pointing.
Light Curve Visibility: View your light curve on the 'Results' page at https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/exoplanet-watch/results/, searching by exoplanet name and AAVSO Observer Code.
Support and Community: Join the Exoplanet Watch Slack for help, updates, and community engagement.
Learn More and Get Involved
Newsletter: Subscribe to the Exoplanet Watch newsletter for project updates and past editions.
Meet the Team: Connect with fellow participants on Slack, ask questions, and troubleshoot together.
Explore Further: Discover more NASA citizen science projects and expand your knowledge.
