AI-driven music platform aids in the discovery of novel supernova as a voracious star endeavors to devour a black hole
In a groundbreaking development, astronomers have discovered a new type of supernova, named SN 2023zkd, which was spotted in July 2023 with the Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in California [7]. This discovery was made possible by the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) system called Lightcurve Anomaly Identification and Similarity Search (LAISS).
LAISS, based on the same principles as the Spotify recommendation algorithm, detects unusual astronomical events by analyzing the light curves of celestial objects and comparing them against a large reference dataset of known objects to find statistical outliers [1][5]. This AI system is designed to identify rare or previously unseen phenomena, such as SN 2023zkd, which exhibited unusual brightness patterns before and after its explosion.
How LAISS Works
LAISS compares the light curves of astronomical objects to a vast dataset and identifies potential anomalies. By doing so, it flags interesting candidates found by LAISS and posts them into a dedicated Slack channel for astronomers to review and follow up in real time [1][2]. The system's streamlined approach enables astronomers to rapidly target the most promising and unusual discoveries.
The AI system's quick alert enabled a number of large observatories to provide observations across a large spectrum of wavelengths, providing astronomers with an unprecedented level of detail about the supernova [4]. LAISS helped astronomers to see all this extra detail, particularly the early signatures of the surrounding disk and the existence of a black hole companion [6].
The Unusual Supernova SN 2023zkd
SN 2023zkd's light pattern became very strange after the explosion, with multiple brightness peaks [8]. Astronomers think the light comes from the excess material the star was shedding, and the supernova was likely the result of a huge star attempting to consume a nearby black hole [9]. The supernova's chemical composition suggests that it had not lost all of its outermost material before it exploded [10].
The discovery of SN 2023zkd is providing insight into how these explosions work. Its peculiar lightcurve — brightening, dimming, then brightening again — was detected early by LAISS due to its methodology, drawing astronomers’ attention long before it was obvious to human observers [1][3].
The Role of AI in Scientific Discovery
This synergy between AI and astronomy illustrates the expanding role of AI in scientific discovery. By leveraging techniques from consumer technology, AI systems like LAISS are accelerating breakthroughs in fundamental astrophysics, enabling automated, near real-time recognition of rare cosmic events that might otherwise go unnoticed [1][3][5].
The results of the study on SN 2023zkd were published on Wednesday (Aug. 13) in The Astrophysical Journal [3]. With the continued development and refinement of AI systems like LAISS, we can expect more groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy in the future.
References:
- https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.14227
- https://www.slack.com/intl/en-gb/features/bot-apps
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01921-9
- https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2333/
- https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2023/08/ai-helps-spot-rare-supernova-light-years-away
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230814140237.htm
- https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2023/07/astronomers-spot-supernova-730-million-light-years-away
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05703-5
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230814140237.htm
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05703-5
The AI system, Lightcurve Anomaly Identification and Similarity Search (LAISS), based on the principles of consumer technology like Spotify, is revolutionizing the field of science, particularly space-and-astronomy, by automatically detecting rare or previously unseen celestial events using technological advancements in artificial-intelligence. This system played a crucial role in the discovery of SN 2023zkd, a unique supernova with unusual light patterns, which helped astronomers understand the workings of these explosions better.
