IN BRIEF Mass: between 0.3 and 1.4 times that of the Sun Volume: similar to that of the Earth Density: very high, resulting in intense gravitational forces Mass-size relation: the greater the mass, the smaller the size Electrons: exert a dominant quantum pressure within these celestial bodies Compactness: makes these celestial bodies sensitive to gravitational … Read more
IN BRIEF Supercomputers: essential tools for research in astrophysics. Used for complex simulations of cosmic phenomena. Collaboration of researchers through supercomputers like Frontera and Jean Zay. Computational capacities exceeding quadrillions of operations per second. Ongoing projects to create the largest 3D map of the universe. Impact on the understanding of the evolution of the universe … Read more
IN BRIEF Machine learning for cosmological analysis. Correction of detection biases of weak lenses. Use of algorithms for astrophysical parameter estimation. Introduction to ensemble methods. Estimations of biases related to galaxy properties. Applications of AI in the quest for the infinite. Use of optimal transport algorithms in cosmology. Machine learning in astronomy and biomedicine. In … Read more
IN SHORT Space exploration and ethics: a necessary balance Legal blockage: non-appropriation of celestial bodies (1967 Treaty) Considerations on extraterrestrial environments and their preservation Fair distribution of space resources Reflections on human errors to avoid in space Geoengineering and atmospheric modifications: ethical issues Colonization: questions to ask before settling elsewhere Vision of the “space barons”: … Read more
IN SHORT Quantum physics and cosmology emerged in the early 20th century. Quantum cosmology describes the early moments of the Universe. The concept of quantum multiverse suggests an infinity of universes. Quantum gravity raises many questions about the nature of the Universe. Big Bang and particle physics: essential links. Projects on loop quantum cosmology are … Read more
IN BRIEF Cité de l’espace: a space for exploration to discover the universe. Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace: the largest aeronautical museum in France, located 10 minutes from Paris. Educational Exhibitions: a playful way to understand the conquest of space. Explore Space: exhibiting distant worlds through immersive installations. Guided Tours: for an enriching experience … Read more
IN BRIEF Gravitational waves: oscillations of the curvature of space-time. Produced by cosmic events such as supernovae and black holes. Validation of general relativity by Albert Einstein in 1916. Detection possible thanks to installations like LIGO. Important consequences for modern astrophysics and the study of universes. Access to invisible phenomena that enrich our understanding of … Read more
IN BRIEF Modern astronomy: exploration of current instruments. Measuring instruments essential for observing celestial bodies. Telescopes: primary tools for capturing celestial light. Binoscopes: used for detailed observation. Spectroscopy: analysis of visible and invisible light. Astrolabe: historical instrument for measuring the sky. Advanced technologies: tools like Absolute Arm and Leica Tracker. Optics: understanding the properties of … Read more
IN BRIEF Observable universe : Visible part of the universe, limited by the cosmic horizon. Size of the universe : Estimated to be at least 96 billion light-years. Cosmic horizon : Boundary beyond which the universe remains opaque. Cosmic microwave background : Light from the Big Bang visible at about 13.8 billion light-years. Expansion of … Read more
IN BRIEF K2-18b: possible shelter for extraterrestrial life. Habitable exoplanets: fewer than expected. Multiplication of discoveries of planetary systems. Importance of advanced telescopes in the research. Search for signs of life in the atmospheres of exoplanets. International collaboration to explore habitable planets. New strategies to detect extraterrestrial life. Reflection on the intellectual challenges of this … Read more