In an inspiring tale of youthful ingenuity and scientific advancement, 18-year-old Matteo Paz from Pasadena, California, has made headlines by identifying 1.5 million previously unknown celestial objects. Utilizing artificial intelligence, Paz analyzed vast datasets from NASA’s NEOWISE telescope, leading to a discovery that has captivated the astronomical community and earned him a $250,000 award in the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
The Journey: From Curiosity to Cosmos
Paz’s fascination with astronomy began in his early years, nurtured by visits to lectures at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His passion led him to participate in Caltech’s Planet Finder Academy, where he combined his interests in coding and astrophysics. Mentored by Caltech astronomer Davy Kirkpatrick, Paz embarked on a project to analyze data from the NEOWISE mission, which had accumulated over 200 terabytes of infrared observations during its decade-long survey of the sky.
The Innovation: AI Meets Astronomy
Confronted with the immense volume of NEOWISE data, Paz recognized the limitations of manual analysis. He developed a machine learning algorithm capable of detecting subtle variations in infrared light, indicative of variable celestial objects such as supernovae, quasars, and binary stars. Over six weeks, his AI model sifted through the data, identifying 1.5 million potential new objects, significantly expanding the known catalog of such phenomena.
The Impact: A New Frontier in Space Exploration
Paz’s work has not only contributed a wealth of data to the field of astronomy but also demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in scientific research. His findings are being utilized by research groups and have been submitted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. The success of his approach underscores the value of interdisciplinary skills and the importance of fostering scientific curiosity from a young age.
The Sky Is Not the Limit
Matteo Paz’s achievement serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions that young minds can make to science. By harnessing the power of AI, he has opened new avenues for exploring the universe and inspired a generation to look to the stars with both wonder and determination.
