k -Nearest Neighbors for automated classification of celestial objects

The nearest neighbors (NNs) classifiers, especially the k-Nearest Neighbors (kNNs) algorithm, are among the simplest and yet most efficient classification rules and widely used in practice. It is a nonparametric method of pattern recognition. In this paper, k-Nearest Neighbors, one of the most commonly used machine learning methods, work in automatic classification of multi-wavelength astronomical objects. Through the experiment, we conclude that the running speed of the kNN classier is rather fast and the classification accuracy is up to 97.73%. As a result, it is efficient and applicable to discriminate active objects from stars and normal galaxies with this method. The classifiers trained by the kNN method can be used to solve the automated classification problem faced by astronomy and the virtual observatory (VO). Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10473013, 10778724 and 90412016)