Join us as we explore a Universe in Data with the Virtual Observatory – a global initiative providing world-wide public access to some of the most amazing astronomical data on the planet, including from the James Webb Space Telescope, the European Southern Observatory, and Australia’s Square Kilometre Array.

The Virtual Observatory allows astronomers to ask more complex questions about our Universe than ever before and discovering new phenomena and deeper insights into the cosmos. As modern telescopes have peered fainter and further into the Universe to unravel its mysteries, the data volumes have increased exponentially.

The power of the Virtual Observatory, coupled with AI, allows astronomers can sift through vast amounts of data more effectively, uncovering subtle patterns that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. This enhances our understanding of celestial objects but also enables the discovery of rare or new phenomena, propelling astronomical research into new frontiers.

In this public talk, you'll learn how astronomers are using the Virtual Observatory and sophisticated Artificial Intelligence to study the Universe, and how the International Virtual Observatory Alliance empowers cutting-edge science programs through a global effort to ensure the night sky is accessible to all.

Speakers include:

A/Prof Ned Taylor, Observational astronomer at the University of Swinburne
Dr Kai Polsterer, Group Leader and Deputy Scientific Director (Astroinformatics) at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies

Image Credit: AAO/Sam Non