AI Comes Up With an Equation to ‘Weigh’ Galaxy Clusters

AI Comes Up With an Equation to ‘Weigh’ Galaxy Clusters

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize astronomy by helping researchers to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data in a more efficient and accurate way.

AI can help with a variety of tasks, such as analyzing images of the night sky to detect subtle changes or anomalies that might indicate the presence of new astronomical phenomena. It can also help with the classification of celestial objects and the identification of patterns in data sets.

AI stands out once again

Scientists from the Institute for Advanced Study, the Flatiron Institute, and other institutions have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the estimation of the mass of colossal clusters of galaxies, according to Phys.org. By adding a simple term to the existing equation, AI discovered that scientists could produce far better mass estimates than before.

The improved estimates will allow scientists to calculate the fundamental properties of our universe in a more accurate way, according to the astrophysicists’ report. Understanding galaxy clusters is critical to determine the origin and continuing evolution of the universe, and their total mass is the most crucial quantity in determining their properties.

However, measuring the mass of galaxy clusters is difficult, and scientists deduce their mass from other observable quantities. The scientists used a tool called “symbolic regression” to find a better approach to estimate the mass of galaxy clusters. The AI-generated equation improved mass inferences by concentrating on the outskirts of the galaxy clusters instead of the cores where supermassive black holes are located. The new equation reduced the variability in galaxy cluster mass estimates by somewhere around 20 to 30 percent for large clusters compared to the currently used equation.

Another area where AI has shown promise is in the search for exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system. With the help of AI algorithms, astronomers can sift through huge amounts of data from telescopes to identify potential exoplanets and then verify them through follow-up observations.

Overall, AI has the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of the universe and open up new avenues of discovery in astronomy.

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