An 18-year-old high school student has achieved an extraordinary feat in the world of astronomy, earning a prestigious award and substantial prize money for his innovative use of artificial intelligence. Matteo Paz, from Pasadena, California, utilized AI to uncover over a million previously unknown celestial objects, including potential black holes and supernovae. His work could provide crucial insights into some of the universe's most perplexing enigmas, such as its expansion rate following the Big Bang. This breakthrough has not only earned him accolades but also opened new avenues for scientific exploration.
Paz's journey began with a summer internship at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Initially tasked with manually sorting through vast amounts of data from NASA’s NEOWISE space telescope, Paz recognized the inefficiency of this approach and decided to leverage machine learning. The telescope's mission primarily focused on detecting asteroids and comets near Earth using infrared wavelengths, which can penetrate interstellar dust and reveal distant cosmic phenomena. By developing an AI algorithm, Paz was able to process nearly 200 terabytes of data collected over a decade. His mentor, Davy Kirkpatrick, praised Paz's initiative, noting that no one had previously attempted to analyze the entire dataset for variable objects.
The algorithm identified and classified objects based on minute changes in infrared radiation, categorizing them into various classes like black holes or double-star systems. In total, Paz surveyed over 450 million celestial entities and discovered 1.9 million potential variable objects, with 1.5 million being entirely new findings. These discoveries include dramatic and unpredictable phenomena that offer valuable information about the universe's mysteries. Paz's catalog, named VarWISE, is already being used by researchers at Caltech to study distant star systems and calculate the mass of alien planets.
Paz's achievements did not go unnoticed. He won first place in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, beating out nearly 2,500 other entrants and securing a $250,000 prize. The competition recognizes exceptional research typically conducted by graduate students. Paz expressed surprise at his win, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the victory. Beyond the immediate recognition, Paz's work has significant implications for future astronomical studies. Astronomers are already delving into his catalog to explore the newly identified objects further. Additionally, Paz plans to apply his findings to investigate the universe's expansion rate, potentially resolving a contentious topic in current cosmological research or uncovering foundational truths about the universe's origins.
Looking ahead, Paz aims to continue his education at Stanford University while contemplating the broader applications of his research. He has even considered using infrared technology to monitor Earth for emerging fires, inspired by a recent wildfire experience in his hometown. Paz's innovative approach to solving complex problems showcases his unique talent and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, setting the stage for a promising career in astrophysics and beyond.