I admit that I am not the best person to ask about earth’s formation according to science. I have had my share of sleepless nights and severe headaches trying to understand the celestial bodies, laws of motion and the vast universe.  This is also the reason why I pay high regards to the likes of Einstein and Newton—they unleashed discoveries that my mind could not decipher–not in million light years. Lucky for the younger generation, there is now what we call big data analysis that could actually provide simulations on scientific phenomenons, such as the formation of the Milky Way. Watch a cool video showing a time-lapsed formation of the galaxy here.

You would wonder how these brilliant minds were able to create something as astonishing as this. Simple: big data analysis of stars and stellar behavior.  The vague definition of big data is gradually making itself clear, though it’s finding varied definitions based on its niche appeal. What helps the term become more decipherable is the benefits that human race may draw from it.  Many are starting to realize the significance of big data in various fields in the interesting sphere of science—an oasis of overflowing information.

• Geology/Meteorology: Following the heart-break of hurricane Irene on the East Coast, experts revealed that big data, together with connectivity are potent tools in disaster prevention.

• Health Science: the birth of the wireless tattoo that monitors heart rates for forthcoming data collection and identification of other cardiac diseases is a glimpse of how big data technology and analysis is already bridging us to the future. This is a manifestation of a system that will usher the humankind to the medical IT era.

• Experimentation: instead of using live unstable species to conduct experimentations, bioinformatics fused with big data creates virtual lab rats.

• More on Physics: big datasets currently suggest that a popular Physics theory could nullify: the theory of superstring theory.

IBM’s vision of modern day warriors, data scientists, is that they will be professionals that will understand the trends of big data and will leverage its analytics power.  We know of big data as a tunnel of vast opportunities for IT enterprises to build next level solutions, and monetize it.  In fact, Kristen Nicole reports that big data has the capability to even foretell success of business ventures.  Little did we know that a branch of science and as complex as astrophysics is something that big data analysis can also champion.  But we’re glad it’s being put to work across so many fascinating fields, helping us all to visualize the past, present and future.