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Showing posts from May, 2023

Detecting Gravitational Waves using Deep Learning

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What is a Gravitational Wave? Albert Einstein in his theory of relativity predicted the existence of gravitational waves. The general theory of relativity stated that the mass bends space-time curvature, creating gravity and space-time tells mass how to move. Space-time fabric is a four-dimensional quantity including the three normal dimensions and a fourth dimension of time!  Consider Earth as a ball with a specific mass and space-time as an elastic sheet of rubber (or a trampoline). If we place Earth at the center of this sheet, then it will obviously bend the sheet creating a curvature. Now, place a smaller ball with less mass, and call it the Moon. If we place the moon on the sheet, then will not directly collide with the Earth, rather it will travel in rotational motion around the Earth, before colliding. This simple movement of the smaller ball (Moon) revolving around the larger ball (Earth) explains the formation of gravity.  We all know, for any binary system in the universe, g

Machine Learning approach for Galaxy Morphology

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What is Gaxaly Morphology? Galaxy morphology refers to the study and classification of the shapes, structures, and visual appearances of galaxies. It is a fundamental aspect of observational astronomy, as it provides valuable insights into the formation, evolution, and dynamics of galaxies. The study of galaxy morphology dates back to the pioneering work of astronomers like Edwin Hubble, who developed the Hubble morphological classification system in the 1920s. Hubble's classification scheme, known as the Hubble sequence or tuning fork diagram, categorized galaxies into different types based on their visual characteristics. This system remains widely used today as a basic framework for galaxy classification. Galaxies exhibit a remarkable diversity of morphologies, ranging from smooth and featureless elliptical galaxies to majestic spiral galaxies with well-defined arms, to irregular galaxies lacking a distinct structure. Some of the common morphological features observed in galaxie

ML Analysis of JWST Images

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What is JWST? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a highly anticipated and technologically advanced space observatory to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Equipped with a massive segmented primary mirror, the JWST is designed to observe infrared light, allowing it to penetrate dust clouds and reveal hidden celestial objects and events. Its advanced suite of scientific instruments will enable scientists to study distant galaxies, star formation, exoplanets, and more, with remarkable clarity and sensitivity. The images produced by the JWST are expected to surpass those of its predecessor, offering intricate details and revealing the universe in a completely new light.  By capturing stunning visuals of distant galaxies, stellar nurseries, and other cosmic wonders, these images will help astronomers unravel the mysteries of our universe, deepen our knowledge of its origins, and expand our understanding of the fundamental laws that govern it. Recently, researchers have a

Detection of Extra-Terrestrial Life

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Detection of Extra-terrestrial Life The question "Are we alone?" has been pondered for countless years. According to statistics, every star in our Milky Way Galaxy should contain at least one planet, and tiny rocky planets are incredibly frequent, according to astronomers. With upwards of 100 billion galaxies in our universe and 100 billion stars in our own galaxy, the possibility of life elsewhere seems inevitable based only on probability. For the first time in human history, science is definitely on the threshold of being able to look for evidence of extraterrestrial life around the hundreds of nearby stars. It was discovered more than 50 years ago that gases in a planet's atmosphere may be remotely sensed to look for evidence of life. A fundamental premise of life is that energy is stored and used chemically, and certain metabolic byproducts will take the form of gases. Biosignature gases are what we refer to as gases created by life that can build up in a planet

Selecting Pulsars using ANN

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Introduction : Since the discovery of pulsars in 1967, pulsar searching has evolved significantly. Modern surveys employ high-performance computing and advanced signal processing algorithms to detect weak pulsar signals amidst radio frequency interference and binary systems. However, the final stage of selecting credible pulsar candidates still relies on human judgment, which can be time-consuming and inefficient for large-scale surveys producing millions of candidates. Large-scale pulsar surveys have greatly increased our knowledge of pulsars and their properties. Future surveys will utilize next-generation radio telescopes like LOFAR, FAST, and SKA, benefiting from their large collecting areas and wide fields of view. The sheer number of pulsar candidates detected by these instruments necessitates multi-person or machine-based candidate selection. In some cases, machine solutions have been developed, such as candidate ranking based on likelihoods or sorting based on similarity scores

Introducing AI and ML to the Modern Astronomy

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Introduction Automated data mining has emerged as a highly valuable approach to knowledge discovery in various subdisciplines within astronomy. It has revolutionized the way astronomers analyze and interpret vast amounts of data, enabling them to uncover hidden patterns, make predictions, and generate new insights. While data mining techniques have been widely adopted across the field, there is a noticeable shift in the discussion towards placing greater emphasis on machine learning (ML) and, to a lesser extent, artificial intelligence (AI). Data mining encompasses the processes of extracting useful information and knowledge from large datasets. In astronomy, where massive volumes of data are generated by telescopes, satellites, and other astronomical instruments, automated data mining techniques have proven indispensable. By leveraging computational algorithms, astronomers can uncover valuable insights and discoveries that would be challenging, if not impossible, to achieve through tr

Exoplanets' Structures

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Exoplanets' structures In the coming decade, observational campaigns will help us further our understanding of planet structure, both within and outside of our solar system. The long-standing question of how much water there is in Jupiter should be answered thanks to the Juno mission, which will offer critical new insights into Jupiter's interior structure. The recently authorized Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite will locate several planets outside of our solar system that is located around stars that are close enough and bright enough to allow for follow-up studies from the ground or using the James Webb Space Telescope. Our knowledge of these planets' bulk compositions and architectures will be influenced by what we learn about their masses (through radial velocity measurements) and atmospheres. Finally, in some circumstances, large exoplanets, like those in the HR 8799 system, that are sufficiently remote from their stars and sufficiently self-luminous, may be dir

Exoplanets' requirements and constraints on life

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Exoplanets' Requirements and Constraints On Life We will undoubtedly discover worlds that resemble Earth to varied degrees as the number of known exoplanets and exomoons increases. We can provide a checklist for guessing the likelihood of life on these far-off planets based on our understanding of life on Earth. Is the temperature between 15 °C and 122 °C, as well as the overall pressure high enough to maintain stable liquid water (P > 0.01 atmospheres)? If the earth is dry, do at least a few days annually see rain, fog, snow, or an RH of at least 80%?     Are there sufficient sources of light or geothermal energy—light measured about the star's distance, geothermal energy assessed about bulk density?      Are the UV and ionizing radiation levels below the (very high) thresholds that bacteria can tolerate?      Is there a source of nitrogen that is physiologically accessible?     Complex life may exist if O2 is available at pressures greater than 0.01, and the existence of