Galaxy Conqueror: Astronomy, Citizen Science and Gamification

Galaxy Conqueror is a serious game for citizen science. Its goal is to guide participants to identify galaxies in a region of the sky known as the Puppis' Window. Galaxy Conqueror is a on-line game, where each participant plays the role of a galactic explorer, studing a sector of the sky in search of galaxies and extraterrestrial life. When a participant thinks he has found a galaxy, he marks it and becomes its potential conqueror. Other players can express their opinion crediting or discrediting the potential conqueror. Players receive badges according to their performance. Initial evaluation shows that Galaxy Conqueror is an effective tool to channel the volunteers efforts to identify galaxies in the Puppis Window. The game is part of the Cientopolis platform for citizen science.