There are basically two things astronomers need to do in order to learn something about the universe. First, we need to observe something in the sky, using a telescope and some sophisticated detection equipment. Second, we need to interpret the observations by trying to match them with a mathematical model, using a computer. The models have a bunch of parameters - sort of like knobs and switches that can be adjusted - and each represents some aspect of the physical laws that govern the behavior of the model.

When we find a model that seems to match the observations fairly well, we assume that the values of the parameters tell us something about the true nature of the object we observed. The problem is: how do we know that some other combination of parameters won't do just as well, or even better, than the combination we found? Or what if the model is simply inadequate to describe the true nature of the object?

The process of adjusting the parameters to find a `best fit' model to the observations is essentially an optimization problem. There are many well established mathematical tools (algorithms) for doing this - each with strengths and weaknesses. I am using a relatively new approach that uses a process analogous to Charles Darwin's idea of evolution through natural selection. This so-called genetic algorithm explores all of the many possible combinations of parameters, and finds the best combination for me. This ensures that the answer I get is as objective as possible.

Design courtesy of Ian Shorrock