SuperWASP variable stars: classifying light curves using citizen science

We present the first analysis of results from the SuperWASP variable stars Zooniverse project, which is aiming to classify 1.6 million phase-folded light curves of candidate stellar variables observed by the SuperWASP all sky survey with periods detected in the SuperWASP periodicity catalogue. The resultant data set currently contains >1 million classifications corresponding to >500000 object-period combinations, provided by citizen-scientist volunteers. Volunteer-classified light curves have similar to 89 per cent accuracy for detached and semidetached eclipsing binaries, but only similar to 9 per cent accuracy for rotationally modulated variables, based on known objects. We demonstrate that this Zooniverse project will be valuable for both population studies of individual variable types and the identification of stellar variables for follow-up. We present preliminary findings on various unique and extreme variables in this analysis, including long-period contact binaries and binaries near the short-period cut-off, and we identify 301 previously unknown binaries and pulsators. We are now in the process of developing a web portal to enable other researchers to access the outputs of the SuperWASP variable stars project.

Automated summary

The SuperWASP variable stars Zooniverse project has provided valuable data for studying stellar variables, with volunteer-classified light curves having a high accuracy rate of 89% for detached and semidetached eclipsing binaries, but only 9% for rotationally modulated variables. The project has identified unique and extreme variables, such as long-period contact binaries and previously unknown binaries and pulsators, and is developing a web portal for researchers to access the project's outputs.