GOTO0650
The dwarf nova GOTO065054+593624 marked the first major science result from Kilonova Seekers — discovered by volunteers on the project, and followed up by a huge contingent of citizen scientist observers from around the world. GOTO0650 was observed by
- Nordic Optical Telescope
- Liverpool Telescope
- Las Cumbres Observatory 0.4 m network as part of Global Sky Partners
- Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
- Einstein Probe
- AAVSO members
The paper provides an intensive study of the object, with highly complete light curves, spectroscopy, and X-ray data throughout the 2024 superoutburst. The dataset suggests the object is a WZ Sge-like dwarf nova, a subtype that shows diverse outburst behaviour and long recurrence timescales. GOTO0650 showed 10 “echo outburst” rebrightenings throughout the months it was active. GOTO0650 provides another well-observed example of the class and presents further opportunities for follow-up.
The study was accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics in May 2025, just 7 months after the object was first identified, with many citizen scientist co-authors.