There are no sounds in space, but astronomical images can be interpreted as sound in various ways. NASA has released three new sonifications for astronomical images captured by its telescopes. The sonifications allow for the visually challenged to engage with astronomy.
Sonifi
The Chandra X-ray telescope team have been working on various techniques to improve the accessibility of the images captured by the instrument. In 2020, the NASA sonification project was started, which was an initiative to convert astronomical images to sound, allowing for the blind and visually impaired people to enjoy the observations as well. The sonifications proved to be popular not only among the visually challenged, but a wider section of the general public as well. Now NASA has released a documentary on the project, Listen to the Universe, that is available on NASA’s livestreaming platform. NASA has also released three new sonifications along with the documentary.
The three new sonifications are for MSH 11-52, a supernova remnant that is blowing out a spectacular cloud of energetic particles, a spiral galaxy much like the Milky Way with a designation of M74, and the Jellyfish Nebula, also known as IC 443. The images for the sonifications were captured by Chandra as well as a number of ground and space based telescopes. The sonification project is realised through a close collaboration with NASA’s Universe of Learning, an outreach programme by the space agency to bridge the gap between the data gathered by NASA missions, and the general public.
Chandra’s Visualization and Emerging Technology Scientist, Kimberly Arcand says, “We are so excited to partner with NASA to help tell the story about NASA’s sonification project. It’s wonderful to see how this project has grown and reached so many people.” The Astrophysics Division multimedia efforts lead Liz Landau says, “Sonifications add a new dimension to stunning space imagery, and make those images accessible to the blind and low-vision community for the first time. I was honored to help tell the story of how Dr. Arcand and the SYSTEM Sounds team make these unique sonic experiences and the broad impact those sonifications have had.”
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
