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Distant galaxies

Kitami Institute of Technology,
Big Data Analysis Laboratory

Credits: NASA-GSFC, AVL-NCSA

Exploring the Distant Universe with Big Data

In our research group, we combine data science techniques such as image processing methods and AI with astronomical big data obtained from cutting-edge large telescopes. Our research focuses on the mechanisms of galaxy formation and evolution in the distant universe, particularly galaxies located about 10–13.5 billion light years away.

Data analysis with a coumputer
Galaxy images

News

  • 2026/04/01, A new undergraduate course, the Unit of Computer Science and Astronomy, has been established. For more details, please see this page.

  • 2026/03/26, Our group went on a trip to an observatory in Rikubetsu, Hokkaido to observe astronomical objects.

  • 2026/03/17, New undergraduate students have joined our research group.

  • 2026/03/06, Graduate students, W. Ishida, R. Kawase, and S. Setogawa, presented their research about distant galaxies at the Astronomical Society of Japan annual meeting.

  • 2025/11/28, New undergraduate students have joined our research group.

  • 2025/09/19, Our new website is now online.

People

As of Apr. 2026

  • Shibuya, Takatoshi (Associate Prof.)

  • Ishida, Wataru (M2)

    • Interests: Image processing, distant galaxies, galaxy morphology

  • Kawase, Ren (M2)

    • Interests: Image processing, black holes, distant galaxies

  • Setogawa, Shun (M2)

    • Interests: AI, black holes, distant galaxies

  • Suda, Kohei (M1)

  • Tonai, Issei (M1)

  • Morishima, Fuki (B4)

  • Kubota, Kai (B4)

  • Suzuki, Yuki (B4)

  • Nakaya, Chikaze (B4)

  • Fukuyama, Sakura (B4)

How to Join Us

Undergraduate School (for the 3rd–4th year students)

By enrolling in the following courses or units, you can acquire the necessary background knowledge before being assigned to the laboratory. For details on laboratory assignment, please refer to the university guidance.

  • Information DC Engineering Course (for students admitted before March 2026)
  • Unit of Computer Science and Astronomy (for students admitted after April 2026)

Graduate School

You can choose the program that best suits your interests; however, we especially recommend the newly established Data Science Program.

  • To enroll in Kitami Institute of Technology: here.
  • If you are interested in other Astronomy labs: here.

Rooms

  • Staff: 4F in Bldg. 14
  • Students: 3F in Bldg. 14

For the campus map and directions to the university, please click here or here.