There is no industry in the world that doesn’t take advantage of data and analytics. However, if asked, off the top of your head, you’d probably say;

“Retail uses data!”

“Healthcare must use data!”

And so on.

But have you ever looked up into the night sky, gloried at the far-off stars and wondered…

What about the data in the stars?

It’s easy to forget about what’s right under our noses - or above our noses in this case. Now that you’ve been reminded, your mind is abuzz with questions!

So, how do astronomers use data to research the universe beyond what we can and can’t see from our kitchen window?

Simon O’Toole is the Head of Data & IT at Australian Astronomical Optics - Macquarie. The Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) provides world-class optical and infrared observing facilities that enable Australian astronomers to carry out excellent science. AAO is a world leader in astronomical research and in the development of innovative telescope instrumentation. Macquarie University partners with the AAO Department within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

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Previously, at AAO, Simon has also taken on the roles of Senior Specialist Research Systems Engineer, Web, eResearch & Information Administrator, Project Scientist for Data Central, Deputy Gemini Scientist, and a Research Fellow. Here, he has contributed a variety of work, including carrying out media interviews, researching planets, conducting school presentations, driving technical innovation, and developing systems.

In addition to his work at AAO, Simon has over 200 published research papers, with many having a focus on astronomy. Some of his earliest written work includes research on old hot stars using data from space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, while his most recent at the time of writing is on the detectability of eclipsing binary star companions from eclipse timing variations.

If you are already a data scientist or an aspiring one interested in the astronomy industry and the challenges they face, this is the episode you do not want to miss out on.