Big data in the invisible radio universe

Dr. Hamsa Padmanabhan, ETH Zurich

It is now a very exciting time to be studying the evolution of the universe from its earliest epochs up to the present day, using observations at radio frequencies. My research focuses on mapping the distribution of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, and understanding how the earliest stars and galaxies formed, furthering mankind's search for our place in the cosmos. Unprecedented amounts of data from the biggest radio facilities will soon allow researchers to illuminate some of the most fundamental mysteries about our universe, from how to gain a deeper understanding of Einstein's theory of gravity, to whether we are alone in the cosmos, which is an important question for humankind.