Four years have passed since scientists have captured the first image of a black hole, showing a fiery, doughnut-shaped object in the galaxy M87 which is 53 million light-years away from Earth. A team of researchers from the Institute for Advanced Study in New Jersey recently provided an upgrade to this image by using artificial intelligence methodologies.
The resulting image has similar properties and shape as to the original one, but with a sharper resolution and thinner ring. This updated picture has the potential to provide scientists with insight into gravitational forces and relating properties of the black hole. Lia Medeiros, the astrophysicist leading the study, stated that it has been like looking at the black hole for the first time.
The data used to create this image was gathered by a network of radio telescopes around the world, followed by the implementation of machine learning to fill in missing pieces. This research presents an example of how the combination of astrophysics research and machine learning methods can create new advancements in science.
The Institute for Advanced Study carries out research at the top of their class in fields of natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. It is the world’s first independent academic institution established to pursue futuristic research to create a brighter future. The said institute provides its researchers tools and a safe space to take risks and foster collaboration between various disciplines.
Lia Medeiros is a physicist, quantum expert, and cosmologist working as a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Study. Previous to this study, she has conducted research on the cosmic bubble universe, its consequences for studying dark energy experimentally, and using machine learning for precision gravity experiments. Her current research focus is on high-energy cosmology. She is an avid speaker on the conference and university circuit, promoting better research and education in the high-energy cosmology discipline.
