By modernizing the current observatories and proposing new cutting-edge ones, modern astrophysics is entering the era of big data, which requires experts in data science as well as essential computing resources. By combining open data from historical and ongoing observations with resources provided by JetBrains, we’re developing sophisticated reconstruction tools, searching for rare phenomena, and training a new generation of data analysis experts. This lets us pursue independent research that is high-risk but also high-reward, filling some of the gaps in mainstream astrophysics.