A Teen's AI Discovers 1.5 Million Hidden Space Objects, Altering Our View of the Cosmos

In a profound contribution to astronomy, high school student Matteo Paz has uncovered 1.5 million previously undetectable space objects using artificial intelligence, challenging traditional methods and inspiring future innovations in space exploration.

Journey to the Stars: A New Beginning

Matteo Paz’s pioneering journey began at the Planet Finder Academy hosted by Caltech, a program aimed at engaging high school students like him in the world of advanced astronomical research. Guided by a seasoned team, including Davy Kirkpatrick, Paz delved into NASA’s NEOWISE dataset, designed for asteroid observation but holding untapped potential.

Harnessing AI for Big Data

Confronted with an extensive dataset from NEOWISE, Paz proposed a novel solution: machine learning. Building a Fourier and wavelet-based model, he detected unnoticed brightness variations and identified previously invisible space objects. His success underscores AI’s potential to revolutionize how we approach vast and complex datasets.

Overcoming Challenges with Modern Mentorship

His groundbreaking work benefited from mentorship and collaboration with Caltech’s finest, overcoming the NEOWISE’s observational limitations. These efforts culminated in a monumental discovery, cementing his place in the scientific community and setting a precedent for combining youth talent with expert guidance.

Redefining Our Understanding of the Universe

Paz’s catalog of newly discovered space objects is poised for publication in 2025, promising to expand our knowledge of distant star and galaxy evolution. His AI model not only opens new horizons in space study but also holds possibilities for other fields reliant on temporal data analysis, such as economics.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Now employed at Caltech, Paz mentors fellow students, ensuring the legacy of exploration and the use of cutting-edge technology continues. His achievements remind us of the incredible discoveries youth, equipped with determination and innovative tools, are capable of making.

According to Indian Defence Review, this discovery is bound to alter both astronomical research and our understanding of the universe.