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Department of Public Affairs
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada

CONTACT:
U of T Public Affairs
ph: (416) 978-6974; email: nicolle.wahl{at}utoronto.ca

Feb. 10, 2003

Canada's fastest computer devoted to astrophysics
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Time-saving supercomputer capable of calculating complex simulations
By Nicolle Wahl

When the new PowerRack-HX cluster created by Mynix Technology of 
Montreal starts its calculations, the 512 individual computer 
processing units can heat up to 70 degrees Celsius, requiring extra 
ventilation and air-conditioning to keep the unit functioning.

But with that heat comes the capability of performing more than one 
trillion calculations per second, opening the door to more complex and 
comprehensive simulations of the universe. "I'm excited for the 
capabilities that it brings to all of our researchers," said Professor 
Peter Martin of astronomy and astrophysics. "This brings us up into 
the so-called teraflop range -- one trillion calculations per second. 
It's staggering."

The supercomputer, which will be dedicated to astrophysics research, 
ranks among the top 50 worldwide. It took four people over two days 
and two kilometres of cable to assemble.

Professor John Dubinski of astronomy and astrophysics has used the 
computer to simulate the behaviour of hundreds of millions of 
particles during the collision of the Milky Way and Andromeda 
galaxies, an event slated to occur in three billion years. His 
colleague, Professor Ue-Li Pen, is examining the formation of 
supermassive black holes.

"You get a lot of detail in the simulations and that makes it more 
realistic," Martin said. "We're doing things that were only dreamed of 
10 years ago."

Until now no one has had the opportunity to attempt such complex 
simulations. At the same time, this computer provides astrophysicists 
with more available computer time to perform their experiments. 
Previously they might have had to compete for precious computing time 
with chemists, meteorologists, engineers and other specialists who 
require extended calculations. Frequently researchers have had to turn 
to U.S.-based computers.

But the researchers are already dreaming of a computer that is 10 
times faster than the PowerRack-HX cluster and are currently drawing 
up a grant proposal for such a machine.

[Nicolle Wahl is a news services officer with the department of public 
affairs.]

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