Seminars and Colloquia

Deciphering the Epoch of Reionization with the HI 21-cm Signal and Machine LearningAstrophysics Seminar

by Madhurima Chaudhary (Brown University, USA)

Asia/Kolkata
Auditorium

Auditorium

Description

Abstract

The redshifted 21-cm line of neutral hydrogen (HI) promises to be an exceptionally sensitive cosmic probe for exploring various phases in the evolution of our Universe. One of the most exciting periods it can reveal is the epoch of reionization (EoR), a critical phase when the first stars and galaxies began to form, lighting up the Universe and ionizing the hydrogen in the intergalactic medium (IGM). Direct observations of the HI 21-cm signal offer a unique opportunity to map the early Universe across cosmic epochs, providing profound insights into the state of the IGM and the morphology of ionized structures sculpted by the first sources of light. Additionally, these observations allow for a deeper understanding of the origin and evolution of these first-generation sources. However, detecting this faint signal is challenging owing to several factors and is the primary science goal of numerous ongoing and upcoming sensitive low-frequency radio interferometers, including LOFAR, MWA, HERA, SKA, and global signal experiments like SARAS, EDGES, and REACH. In this talk, I'll introduce the HI 21-cm signal, and explain what it can teach us about our Universe. I will talk about utilizing various machine learning methods to help us understand the EoR, combining theoretical predictions with future observations.