Astronomers have created a “synthetic universe” using supercomputer simulations to help predict what the next generation of space and ground-based telescopes will observe.
The simulations model how the universe would appear to the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. They include nearly 4 million simulated images.
The synthetic universe was created using the Theta supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory. It will help calibrate expectations for the two telescopes, which aim to investigate mysteries like dark matter and dark energy.
Roman and Rubin will search for signatures of dark energy driving the universe’s expansion. They will also study dark matter by observing its gravitational interactions.
The simulations allow scientists to test analysis methods and interpretation of real data before the telescopes begin observations. This could help them achieve important results sooner.
Creating the synthetic universe was a complex task requiring massive computing power. Scientists say it will simplify their data processing pipelines and make the telescopes more effective at addressing key questions in cosmology.
Source: Space
