sci_info_annotate.pdf (11.19 MB)
Astroinformatics: the big data of the universe
In astrophysics we like to think that our field was the originator of big data, back when it had to be carried around in big sky charts and books full of tables. These days, it's easier to move astrophysics data around, but we still have a lot of it, and upcoming telescope facilities will generate even more. I discuss how astrophysicists approach big data in general, and give examples from some Western Physics & Astronomy research projects. I also give an overview of how the astrophysics community approaches related issues such as data sharing and citation, as well as credit for software contributions.