In a groundbreaking discovery, a high school student from California has used artificial intelligence to uncover 1.5 million space objects that were previously unknown to astronomers. Matteo Paz, a talented teenager with a passion for computer science, developed an AI model that analyzed data from NASA's NEOWISE mission, revealing hidden celestial bodies.

The Unexpected Discovery

Matteo Paz's journey into space exploration began during the summer of 2022 when he participated in Caltech's Planet Finder Academy. Mentored by Davy Kirkpatrick, a senior scientist at Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC), Paz delved into the vast dataset collected by the NEOWISE mission, originally designed to track near-Earth asteroids.

While NEOWISE primarily focused on asteroids, it also gathered data on distant objects with unusual brightness variations, challenging traditional analysis methods.

The Role of AI in Space Exploration

Faced with a massive dataset of nearly 200 billion data points, Paz proposed using machine learning to analyze the information. In just six weeks, he developed a machine learning model that could detect subtle brightness fluctuations in the infrared data, leading to the discovery of new objects and activities in space.

Overcoming Challenges and Mentorship

Paz collaborated with a team of researchers at Caltech to refine his AI model, overcoming limitations in the NEOWISE mission's observation rhythms. His work has led to the detection of new stars and phenomena, paving the way for further exploration.

As a paid employee at Caltech, Paz continues to improve his model and mentors younger students in the Planet Finder Academy, ensuring the next generation of researchers have the tools to explore space in innovative ways.

A Discovery with Far-reaching Implications

The catalog of 1.5 million new objects uncovered by Paz's AI will be published in 2025, providing insights into the evolution of distant stars and galaxies. Beyond space research, Paz sees potential applications of his model in fields like economics and environmental monitoring.

Paz's success highlights the impact of young talent and advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

Source: Indian Defence Review