A Pasadena teen, Matteo Paz, used a custom AI model on retired NEOWISE infrared data to identify about 1.5 million previously unrecognized cosmic objects after analyzing roughly 200 billion records at Caltech’s Planet Finder Academy. The discovery went viral on X, prompting NASA administrator Jared Isaacman to publicly invite Paz to apply to NASA and offer a fighter-jet ride. Paz’s findings were reported in The Astronomical Journal and are being used to guide James Webb Space Telescope follow-up observations.
Pasadena Teen Uses AI On Retired NASA Data, Uncovers 1.5 Million Cosmic Objects — NASA Chief Offers Job And Fighter-Jet Ride
Teen Discovers 1.5M Space Objects With AI Image by Matteo Paz @matteopaz06X (1)
A recent high-school graduate from Pasadena, California, used a custom artificial intelligence model to reveal roughly 1.5 million previously unrecognized cosmic objects in archival NASA data — a finding that went viral and drew a public recruitment pitch from NASA’s newly confirmed administrator.
How He Did It
Matteo Paz trained a machine-learning model on data from NASA’s retired NEOWISE infrared mission while working at Caltech’s Planet Finder Academy under the mentorship of astrophysicist Davy Kirkpatrick. During that research placement, Paz analyzed roughly 200 billion infrared records and identified faint signals that past human reviews had missed.
Public Reaction And Recognition
The discovery was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on December 25 and quickly spread across social and science news communities. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman replied publicly on X, writing:
“Matteo please apply to work at NASA and I will personally throw in a fighter jet ride as a signing bonus.”
Paz responded the same day with a photo and the caption, “Where do I sign?” The exchange amplified attention to his work across outlets and research communities.
Scientific Impact
Multiple reports say Paz’s results were published in The Astronomical Journal. His catalogued coordinates are being used to inform follow-up observations by the James Webb Space Telescope, and his efforts led to a research-assistant role at Caltech. According to his public profiles, Paz has worked with hundreds of terabytes of astronomical data supported by Caltech and NASA.
Background And Context
Paz is listed as the 2025 first-place winner of the Regeneron Science Talent Search and is an incoming undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The episode highlights how AI can unlock valuable discoveries from legacy datasets and how social media can accelerate recognition for young researchers.
Note On Administration
Isaacman, recently confirmed as NASA administrator, has said he intends to reduce bureaucracy and encourage rapid scientific progress — a tone reflected in his public invitation to Paz.
