A U.S. high school student has identified nearly 1.5 million hidden celestial objects by applying machine learning to NASA’s NEOWISE telescope data. The breakthrough, achieved by 18-year-old Matteo Paz of Pasadena, California, has been hailed by experts as a remarkable contribution to modern astronomy and earned him a $250,000 award in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Description: A high-resolution photograph of the NEOWISE telescope or an artist’s impression of newly discovered celestial objects.
1.5 Million Hidden Space Objects
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Discoverer | Matteo Paz, 18, Pasadena, California |
| Objects Found | ~1.5 million candidate variable objects |
| Tool Used | Machine learning algorithm on NEOWISE infrared survey data |
| Prize | $250,000 in Regeneron Science Talent Search |
The remarkable discovery, powered by open data and artificial intelligence, shines as a beacon of hope, transforming astronomy by making groundbreaking insights accessible to all, especially young scientists who dream of exploring the cosmos. While verification continues, Paz’s inspiring achievement lights a path for the next generation, showing that with creativity and existing resources, anyone can contribute to humanity’s shared quest for knowledge.
This moment fosters a sense of unity and possibility, encouraging aspiring researchers worldwide to reimagine what’s achievable and pursue discoveries that uplift and connect us all in our journey to understand the universe.
How the Discovery Was Made
The Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) telescope has spent over a decade weaving a tapestry of infrared sky data, driven by a heartfelt mission to safeguard humanity by detecting asteroids and comets that could impact our planet. Beyond this vital task, NEOWISE has gifted the global community with billions of data points on countless cosmic wonders, fostering a shared sense of awe and curiosity about our universe.
This endeavor not only strengthens our collective efforts to protect Earth but also inspires people everywhere to connect with the cosmos, igniting hope and unity in our pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of all.
Paz created a machine learning algorithm that combed through more than 200 billion entries, looking for “variable objects,” bodies that change brightness over time. These may include supernovae, black holes, binary stars, and other astrophysical phenomena that standard cataloging overlooked.
“This shows the enormous potential of combining artificial intelligence with archival data,” said Davy Kirkpatrick, an astronomer at Caltech who supported Paz’s research.
What NASA and Astronomers Found Noteworthy
NASA officials have acknowledged the significance of the new catalog, noting that the data could open fresh research avenues. While many of the 1.5 million entries are still considered candidates pending confirmation, the scale of the discovery is unprecedented.
“The work dramatically expands the pool of variable objects,” said Kirkpatrick. “It gives astronomers a roadmap to prioritize follow-up studies.”
This catalog, nicknamed VarWISE, will be made publicly available, allowing scientists worldwide to confirm and refine the results.
Why It Matters
- New Frontier in Astronomy: Large datasets often hide information that human-led methods miss. AI tools allow researchers to uncover faint or complex signals.
- Educational Impact: Paz’s achievement demonstrates the growing role of young scientists in advancing fields traditionally dominated by established professionals.
- Future Research: These findings may help refine measurements of cosmic events, from black hole behavior to the expansion of the universe.
Caveats and Next Steps
With a heartfelt commitment to advancing human understanding of the cosmos, astronomers are deeply inspired by the recent discovery of candidate objects, a testament to the promise of AI-driven space exploration that sparks hope for uncovering the universe’s mysteries. Experts gently remind us that verification through independent observation and rigorous peer-reviewed validation is essential, as not all candidates may withstand scrutiny, and false positives are part of the journey.
This breakthrough, embraced with cautious optimism, energizes the global scientific community, fostering a shared sense of wonder and unity as we collaboratively push the boundaries of knowledge, ensuring discoveries are grounded in truth and accessible to all who dream of the stars.
