From Gravitational Waves to Artistic Expression, How Sound Transforms our Understanding of the Cosmos
Introduction:
In the vast emptiness of space, sound waves cannot travel due to the absence of a medium such as air or water. Yet, scientists have found a way to collect "sound" data from the cosmos. This ground-breaking technique, known as sonification, has revolutionized the field of astronomy, opening up new avenues for scientific research, outreach and education, and artistic creation. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing world of sonification and explore how it has transformed our understanding of the universe.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Gravitational Waves:
While sound waves cannot traverse the vacuum of space, gravitational waves present a unique opportunity for sonification in astronomy. Unlike electromagnetic or acoustic waves, gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time itself. Captured by sophisticated detection instruments, these waves are mapped into the human auditory range, allowing scientists to perceive and study their properties. LIGO has captured the merging of two previously invisible black holes and it has been described as a captivating "chirping" sound, reminding me of dropping a coin into a spiral wishing well and listening to it speed up before abruptly stops.
Sonification vs. Visualization:
Why have scientists turned to sonification when visualization has been the dominant method for centuries? The answer lies in the advantages of auditory perception. Our ears possess superior resolution in terms of temporal, spatial, amplitude, and frequency perception compared to our eyes. While our eyes are limited to perceiving about 100 frames per second, our ears can pick up 1,300 frequencies between the range of 20 to 20,000 Hertz, detecting changes at a microsecond level. By listening to data, scientists can uncover patterns and structures that may remain hidden to visual methods alone.
Accessibility and Outreach:
Sonification has not only revolutionized scientific discoveries but has also made astronomy accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Blind astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced demonstrated that audible data can reveal hidden information that visual data might conceal. Another blind researcher Garry Foran mentions in his paper that his research "is not limited to enabling blind and visually-impaired researchers to contribute to areas of research that were not previously accessible. Rather, we look also to the use of new multi-modal approaches that exploit the properties of sound to address mainstream challenges presented by trends in modern astrophysics." Sonification has become a powerful tool for outreach and education at the same time as enabling a more inclusive and engaging experience of the wonders of the universe.
Sonification as an Educational Tool:
In the realm of education, sonification has paved the way for innovative platforms such as Soniverse, created by Andy Newsam, Professor of Astronomy Education and Engagement for Liverpool John Moore's Astrophysics Department. Soniverse allows users to navigate through radio data by listening to changes in frequencies, providing an interactive and immersive experience for those with visual impairments. However, I question the educational purpose of sonification outreach projects, such as the sonification of images captured by telescopes like Hubble and Webb. These sonifications, which assign pitches and volumes based on visual elements, can serve as captivating educational resources, offering multi-layered and pleasant auditory representations of cosmic phenomena although NASA themselves say that "these tracks are not actual sounds" and instead "represent details the team would like listeners to focus on."
Artistic Expressions of the Cosmos:
Sonification in astronomy has also transcended scientific boundaries and merged with artistic creation. Artists like Ryoichi Kurokawa have united sight and sound to express the beauty and emotions evoked by the universe. Through their work, they have crafted abstract yet scientifically grounded representations of the cosmos. Audiences have reported feeling a deep connection to the universe, with vibrations resonating through their bodies and walls. However, artistic creations rooted by scientific inspiration may face underrepresentation and lack full appreciation in the scientific world due to their unconventional approach. It is worth noting that NASA's sonifications, while serving an educational purpose, also bear artistic elements, highlighting the intersection between science and art.
As a science communicator with a background in graphic design, I anticipate facing similar challenges when it comes to how my work is perceived. It is crucial for me to highlight the educational significance of my learning tool for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Sonification offers a versatile method to incorporate auditory experiences into astronomy, allowing me to develop a learning tool that successfully combines educational content with entertainment value. Recognizing the difficulties that individuals with visual impairments encounter in grasping fundamental concepts about the universe through traditional teaching methods, I propose adopting an artistic approach that preserves the scientific educational value without imposing limitations.
Comentarios