Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) provides researchers with some of the most powerful supercomputing systems in the world to tackle questions that cannot be explored through direct observation alone.
Many of the most important phenomena in astrophysics—like the life cycles of stars or the behavior of dark matter—cannot be recreated or tested in a standard laboratory. Scientists must instead rely on indirect observations and theoretical models, making it challenging to fully understand how these complex cosmic systems evolve over time.
To bridge this gap, researchers use advanced simulations powered by exascale computing. In this video, Argonne Leadership Computing Facility director of science Katherine M. Riley explores how the Aurora supercomputer enables scientists to model the formation, evolution, and explosive deaths of stars with unprecedented detail. These simulations allow researchers to explore fundamental questions about the universe, from the origins of cosmic structure to the forces shaping galaxies.
This work reflects the growing role of computing in modern discovery. Much like in Project Hail Mary, researchers today are combining data, theory, and massive computational power to investigate mysteries that extend far beyond Earth, revealing insights that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Watch the video to see how Argonne scientists are using supercomputing to explore the universe at scale—and how simulations are helping unlock the secrets of the stars.
Learn more about Argonne’s computing capabilities ►► alcf.anl.gov
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
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ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) provides researchers with some of the most powerful supercomputing systems in the world to tackle questions that cannot be explored through direct observation alone.
Many of the most important phenomena in astrophysics—like the life cycles of stars or the behavior of dark matter—cannot be recreated or tested in a standard laboratory. Scientists must instead rely on indirect observations and theoretical models, making it challenging to fully understand how these complex cosmic systems evolve over time.
To bridge this gap, researchers use advanced simulations powered by exascale computing. In this video, Argonne Leadership Computing Facility director of science Katherine M. Riley explores how the Aurora supercomputer enables scientists to model the formation, evolution, and explosive deaths of stars with unprecedented detail. These simulations allow researchers to explore fundamental questions about the universe, from the origins of cosmic structure to the forces shaping galaxies.
This work reflects the growing role of computing in modern discovery. Much like in Project Hail Mary, researchers today are combining data, theory, and massive computational power to investigate mysteries that extend far beyond Earth, revealing insights that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Watch the video to see how Argonne scientists are using supercomputing to explore the universe at scale—and how simulations are helping unlock the secrets of the stars.
Learn more about Argonne’s computing capabilities ►► alcf.anl.gov
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
Join us on Facebook: bit.ly/ArgonneFacebook
Follow us on Twitter: bit.ly/ArgonneTwitter
We’re on Instagram! bit.ly/ArgonneInstagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn: bit.ly/ArgonneLinkedIn
ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
