AI and Virtual Observatories: Transforming Astronomical Discovery
Part of the 11th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Workshop
Conference website
15 October 2025
Registration for the workshop: Register here
Speakers
- Priya Hasan - Maulana Azad National Urdu University, India
- S N Hasan - Maulana Azad National Urdu University, India
- Shanshan Li - National Astronomical Observatories, CAS, China
- Alessandro Ederoclite - Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón, Teruel, Spain
Abstract
The explosion of data from astronomical modern surveys and space missions has necessitated new approaches for data analysis and discovery, leading to the development of virtual observatories that enable seamless access to diverse datasets. Integrating artificial intelligence techniques with virtual observatories offers powerful tools to automate data processing, identify patterns, and uncover new celestial phenomena more efficiently.
This workshop aims to introduce participants to AI methodologies and demonstrate their application within virtual observatory platforms to enhance astronomical research. Attendees will develop practical skills in applying machine learning and data analysis techniques to large datasets. Ultimately, the workshop seeks to empower researchers to leverage AI-driven virtual observatories for transformative advances in understanding the universe.
Program (hours in BRT / GMT-3)
| Time | Session | Speaker / Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Setup | |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome & Introduction | Shanshan Li, Priya Hasan, S N Hasan Virtual Observatories (VOs) - S N Hasan Goals of the workshop |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | AI in Astronomy | Priya Hasan |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | China-VO and AI for Astronomy Development in China | Shanshan Li |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break / Setup / Networking / Q&A | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Hands-On Session 1: Virtual Observatory Basics Demo |
Accessing VO tools (Simbad, ESASky, TOPCAT, Aladin) - Alessandro Ederoclite Exercise: Querying datasets via Python and TOPCAT/Aladin (Gaia DR3, SDSS, J-PLUS) - Alessandro Ederoclite |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Hands-On Session 2: Virtual Observatory Tools | VO Tools: Aladin, TOPCAT, Vizier, ADS, Installation and Tutorial on Usage - Priya Hasan, S N Hasan |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Tools: Python, Astropy | S N Hasan |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Exoplanet Analysis with Kepler Data | Priya Hasan |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Plotting HR Diagrams with Gaia Data | Priya Hasan |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Panel Discussion: Challenges in AI-Astronomy and Data Analysis | Shanshan Li, Priya Hasan, S N Hasan |
Logistics & Tools
- Platform: ConferênciaWeb RNP – no installation needed
- Software: Python/Jupyter, TOPCAT, Astropy, TensorFlow/PyTorch
- Datasets: Gaia, SDSS, ZTF, LSST simulated data
Outcome
- Hands-on experience with VO tools + AI pipelines
- A starter kit of code/notebooks for research
- Networking with AI/astronomy experts
Contact
Rafael Santos: rafael.santos@inpe.br
