Artificial Intelligence in Cosmology: Redefining the Universe's Core Settings
Artificial Intelligence Revolutionising Cosmology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides beyond digital assistants. Astronomers are leveraging AI to achieve unprecedented precision in understanding the universe's core parameters. Researchers at Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) in New York City have employed AI to calculate the five cosmological parameters that define the universe, thus enhancing our grasp of its structure and evolution.
Key Cosmological Parameters
The five cosmological parameters in question essentially define the universe's operational 'settings'. Liam Parker, an astronomer at CCA, describes these as the universe's operating instructions. The research team used AI to analyse data from over 100,000 galaxies observed in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), vital for mapping how galaxies are distributed across space.
Maximising Data Efficiency
- AI has enabled the extraction of detailed insights from SDSS data, overcoming traditional analysis limitations.
- Co-author Shirley Ho noted the potential for AI to reduce the costs associated with astronomical surveys that often run into billions of dollars.
Training AI for Enhanced Accuracy
The team trained their AI model on 2,000 simulated universes with varying parameters, ensuring it could handle real-world challenges like atmospheric distortion. The results significantly reduced uncertainty in measuring the universe's 'clumpiness' by more than half.
Addressing Cosmic Mysteries
AI in cosmology not only refines existing methods but also tackles major cosmic questions, such as the Hubble tension—discrepancies in measuring the universe's expansion. With improved precision, AI could play a vital role in resolving these issues.
As new surveys like the European Euclid survey begin, AI-driven techniques will be crucial in extracting maximum insights from novel datasets, marking a substantial leap forward in our quest to comprehend the universe's fundamental parameters.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.