Curtin Institute for Data ScienceCandidate inspection
Researchers needed to work through large volumes of pulsar-related data to identify promising candidates.
Joint Project
Curtin University · Swinburne University of Technology · Macquarie University
Astronomy Data and Computing Services (ADACS)
ADACS provides astronomy-focused training, software support, and data and computing expertise. In 2021, the Curtin node supported the SMART survey by developing a web app to help researchers rapidly inspect and rank pulsar candidates, reducing approximately 100,000 detections to around 4,500 through machine learning.
- Initial candidates
- 100,000
- Expected survey data
- 3 PB
The SMART web-app, developed through an ADACS software support project, is an important step forward to accelerate pulsar discoveries and science from the SMART survey project.
DR
Dr Ramesh Bhat
Principal Investigator, SMART Survey
Project overview
Turning large-scale astronomy data into faster pulsar discovery.
The SMART survey generates large volumes of data in its search for new pulsars. ADACS developed a web-based database and interface to help researchers efficiently search, visualise, inspect, and rank pulsar candidates. The upgraded system streamlined the review process and contributed to the discovery of several new pulsars.
Before and after
2 operational shifts from the project
Before
After
Candidate inspection
A web application enabled researchers to rapidly inspect and rank pulsar candidates.
Candidate review moves faster, so promising pulsars surface sooner.
Research data access
Pulsar-related data and candidate information needed to be accessed and assessed as part of the survey workflow.
Research data access
The ADACS web application provided an accessible interface for searching and visualising candidate data.
Researchers spend less time finding data and more time assessing it.
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