Hanny's Voorwerp: The Mystery Blue Blob

The video discusses the role of citizen science in astronomy, focusing on the Galaxy Zoo project. It highlights the discovery of a new class of objects, including Hanny's Voorwerp, by a Dutch teacher, Hanni van Arkel. The video explains how these objects are related to quasar ionization echoes and the challenges in understanding their origins. Recent studies suggest that more extreme environments may be needed to create these echoes. The video emphasizes the importance of citizen science in making such discoveries.

What was the primary reason for launching the Galaxy Zoo project?

• To discover new galaxies

• To map the universe

• To classify a large number of galaxies

• To find new stars

What did Hanny van Arkel initially notice in the Galaxy Zoo project?

• A new planet

• A small blue smudge next to a galaxy

• A new type of star

• A black hole

What was the actual color of Hanny's Voorwerp when observed without false coloring?

• Green

• Blue

• Red

• Yellow

What is the primary source of light for a quasar ionization echo?

• A supernova

• A quasar

• A neutron star

• A pulsar

What recent theory suggests a more extreme environment might be needed for creating quasar ionization echoes?

• A massive galaxy collision

• A closely orbiting pair of supermassive black holes

• A single supermassive black hole

• A large star cluster