Latest news with #EHT
WIRED
3 days ago
- Science
- WIRED
Artificial Intelligence Is Unlocking the Secrets of Black Holes
Jun 11, 2025 5:30 AM A neural network trained with simulations of supermassive black holes has found that the one at the center of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, likely rotates at maximum speed. An artistic impression of a neural network connecting observations of black holes (left) with models of them (right). Photograph: EHT/Janssen et al. There may not yet be telescopes capable of unlocking all the secrets of supermassive black holes, but AI is now on the case. Recently, an international team of astronomers successfully trained a neural network with millions of black hole simulations to allow it to interpret fuzzy data captured from these enigmatic space objects in real life. Of the various methods for investigating a black hole, the Event Horizon Telescope is the most famous. The EHT isn't a single instrument but rather a number of radio telescopes around the world that work together like a single telescope. Thanks to the EHT, it's been possible to obtain images of the supermassive black holes M87 and Sagittarius A*. These are not images in the traditional sense but instead are visualizations of radio waves coming from the black holes. To create these images, supercomputers in different parts of the world processed the radio signals captured by the EHT. But in the process, they discarded much of the information gathered, as it was difficult to interpret. The new neural network, trained by experts at the Morgridge Research Institute in Wisconsin, aims to tap into that sea of data to improve the resolution of the EHT's readings and make new discoveries. According to a press release from the institute, the artificial intelligence successfully analyzed the once-discarded information and established new parameters of Sagittarius A*, which sits at the center of the Milky Way. An alternative image of the black hole's structure was generated, with this revealing some new characteristics of the black hole. 'Researchers now suspect that the black hole at the center of the Milky Way is spinning at almost top speed,' wrote the researchers in a press release. The new image also also indicates that the black hole's rotation axis points to the Earth and gives clues as to the causes and characteristics of the disks of material that circulate around the black hole. Astronomers had previously estimated that Sagittarius A* rotates at a moderate to fast speed. Knowing its actual rotational speed is important, since it allows us to infer how the radiation around the black hole behaves and provides clues about its stability. 'That we are defying the prevailing theory is of course exciting,' lead researcher Michael Janssen, of Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands, said in the press release. 'However, I see our AI and machine learning approach primarily as a first step. Next, we will improve and extend the associated models and simulations.' This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Honolulu Council to review empty-homes tax study
A proposed Honolulu City Council measure to penalize real-property owners who leave their Oahu residences vacant for extended periods of time has a chance to start moving again following the release of the first phase of a city-commissioned study. Bill 46, which was introduced in August by Council Chair Tommy Waters and Council member Radiant Cordero, was formally deferred in December following blistering public testimony against the empty- homes tax measure. The third reading of the bill also was temporarily postponed pending completion of a study from Ernst &Young LLP, which the city paid nearly $500, 000 to assess the implications of an EHT. The Council's Budget Committee at 9 a.m. today is expected to receive an informational briefing on the Ernst &Young third-party feasibility report, which was released April 21, and makes recommendations for the first phase of a two-phase plan for the empty-homes tax. But a study is not all that is needed to advance Bill 46. It's going to take votes, too, and it's still unclear whether the measure will get enough Council support to begin moving again. Before the Council's Dec. 11 vote to defer the measure, four on the nine-member Council—Esther Kia 'aina, Val Oki moto, Augie Tulba and Andria Tupola—indicated they would not support the bill in its current form, a floor draft. Waters told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's editorial board during a Zoom meeting Thursday, 'I'm hoping that through the questions and answers, and possibly amending the bill to get that fifth vote. Right now I don't even know if we're even close to getting a fifth vote. I sure hope so.' Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Waters said he is unsure how Scott Nishimoto, the newest Council member, would vote. If Bill 46 moves forward as drafted, it would ensure residential properties are used as actual homes instead of investments—particularly by those who might live outside the state, whether on the mainland or in a foreign country. As drafted, the measure would tax vacant real property by as much as 3 %. That means a home valued at $1 million could receive a $30, 000 tax bill each year that it remains empty. The draft version would levy, assess and collect an EHT for each tax year—from July 1 to June 30—for every parcel on which an empty home is situated. Bill 46 as drafted also would introduce a new Residential E tax classification in Honolulu. As proposed, at least 20 % of the revenues from the Residential E classification will be directed to affordable-housing programs overseen by the city's Office of Housing. The remaining funds will support various housing-related issues, including homelessness, cost-of-living increases, rental stability and existing city services, and cover the tax administration costs, Council staff stated. The effective date for Residential E classification was set for tax years beginning July 1, 2027. Waters said for him the main reason to support Bill 46 is to address home shortages by getting 'owners of these empty homes to convert to a rental property or to sell it.' He said the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism asserts a 25, 000-home shortage, and said it would go a long way 'if we could convert most of these to rentals to help deal with that shortage.' But Waters noted that the city-commissioned study determined 'the estimate of conversion (to rentals ) is much lower than we were hoping for.' 'They're estimating that they're only going to convert 1, 000 to 2, 000 units, ' he said. 'Even 1, 000 to 2, 000 units is great, but I was hoping that it would be a lot more.' He said estimates from the city-commissioned study are low due to existing exemptions within Bill 46, including properties with a homeowner's exemption whereby such owners would be eligible for an additional exemption to the EHT for a second property. 'That's part of the problem, ' Waters asserted. 'So we've got to look at possibly amending that.' Waters said the city-commissioned study also differs from a prior University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization report that determined there were about 18, 000 possible vacant homes on Oahu. '(Ernst &Young ) did their study based on water usage, ' he related. 'They said if you use 50 gallons or less, it's likely you're empty.' Due to this, Waters said the city's study 'revised ' the numbers, to say 'we're probably only looking at anywhere from 7, 316 to 11, 184 properties that would fall into this category—which is a lot less than we thought.' Since its introduction, Bill 46 has drawn mixed reaction from the community. Ross Isokane, who is part of a grassroots coalition of residents in support of Bill 46, told the Star-Advertiser that passage of an EHT will benefit Oahu. 'Our impossibly unaffordable housing crisis has been getting worse, not better, ' said Isokane, who is also a member of the Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board. 'While building more housing is certainly a necessary step, outside speculative investment diverts our efforts to increase housing supply for local residents.' Isokane opined that Bill 46 is the 'only piece of legislation alive today at the city or state level that will help mitigate outside speculative investment on Oahu.' But most who spoke on Bill 46 at the Council's December meeting opposed its passage. William Deeb, a Kailua homeowner, said the measure is not about housing, 'it's about revenue generation ' for the city. Ted Kefalas, with the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, noted there are not any tax rates in Bill 46, a real-property tax measure.
Press and Journal
23-04-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
New report warns Scotland is 'sleepwalking' towards crofting catastrophe
Policy changes and investment are badly needed to avoid Scotland 'sleepwalking' into an economic clearance of crofting areas, a new report warns. Cultivating Change: Crofting on Eigg is published today. It is billed as an in-depth analysis of opportunities for the growth and development of crofting on Eigg, one of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides. Eigg is the second largest of the Small Isles after Rum and home to just over 100 people. It is owned by Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust (EHT), which has managed it since a community buyout in 1997. Today's EHT report looks at how crofting has evolved in recent years. It also highlights the challenges faced by the island's crofting community. And it explores how community ownership can strengthen and grow crofting. But there's a grim warning too, with EHT saying: 'Without policy changes and investment, we could be sleepwalking into the economic clearance of the crofting areas.' The trust calls for 'investment in the infrastructure that crofting needs', such as housing, transport and access to markets. It also wants to see reforms to agricultural funding to support small-scale food producers. And it highlights a lack of small-scale abattoir provision locally. EHT adds: 'Crofting is a viable business that can attract young people to stay, return or move to Eigg. 'This vision includes a mix of businesses, with sustainable food production at its core. 'It is a vision where all crofts are being used, where each croft retains its independence, but where there are more opportunities for working in community. 'And it is one where the whole township manages the land sustainably to ensure it remains both productive and supports biodiversity. 'It is hoped that this report will inform policy discussions and inspire further support for small-scale, sustainable land use across the Highlands and Islands.' Speaking ahead of today's launch, report author Ed Pybus, of Crow Consulting, said: 'This project and report began when Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust wanted to look at how best to support crofting on Eigg. 'From the initial meeting onwards, crofters have led this project. I have tried to distill down six months of conversation, research and observations. 'It has become clear the challenges faced by crofters on Eigg are also seen across crofting communities in Scotland. 'These challenges are numerous, interconnected and pose risks to the full realisation of the benefits of crofting for communities. 'At worst, they could lead to the gradual disappearance of crofting.' Mr Pybus added: 'Crofting should not be viewed as a fringe activity but as a central part of Scotland's strategy to achieve a just transition, become a 'good food nation', retain rural populations, and build community wealth and a wellbeing economy.' EHT chairwoman Ailsa Raeburn said: 'This report tells an important part of Eigg's story and highlights the vital role crofting has played in shaping the island's past, present, and future. 'It aims to deepen understanding of crofting's significance and its continued relevance. 'Rather than being a final word, the report marks a step on the way to growing and strengthening crofting on Eigg.' The full report is available online from and
