From Gears to Code: Computing the Cosmos

About this episode

This episode explores the evolution of computing in astronomy, from ancient mechanisms to modern programming and AI applications.

In this episode, we explore the role of computers in astronomy. From the ancient Antikythera Mechanism and the human “computers” of the Harvard College Observatory, to the rise of electronic machines, supercomputers like the Cray-2, and modern programming languages like Fortran and Python, we trace the evolution of how we’ve learned to model and understand the universe. Along the way, we dive into concepts like data reduction, radio interferometry, distributed computing with SETI@home, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in making new discoveries. We also take a hands-on detour, compiling a simple N-body simulation in Fortran and visualizing the results with Python—bringing a tiny gravitational universe to life. Later in the show, we step outside for this week’s night sky, featuring a delicate crescent Moon with Earthshine, the Lyrid meteor shower, a beautiful pairing of Venus and the Moon, and a selection of deep sky targets for patient observers. Links mentioned: My N-Body Fortran simulation Using AI to identify objects from Hubble data Connect with us on Bluesky @ startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast . If you’re enjoying the show, consider…

People in this episode

Host: Single Malt Sky

Topics covered

• computers in astronomy
• history of astronomical computing
• data reduction
• radio interferometry
• artificial intelligence in astronomy
• N-body simulation
• night sky observations

Keywords

• astronomy
• computing
• N-body simulation
• Fortran
• Python
• Lyrid meteor shower
• data reduction
• artificial intelligence
• supercomputers
• night sky

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard College Observatory, SETI@home, Star Trails, Bluesky, YouTube, Bandcamp, RSS.com

Products: Cray-2, Fortran, Python

Places: Earth, Moon, Venus

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