In an imaginative fusion of science and art, Nasa has joined forces with composer Sophie Kastner and System Sounds to transform astronomical data into music.
Leveraging observations from the Chandra X-Ray observatory, James Webb, Hubble, and Spitzer space telescopes, the Universe of Sound initiative converts cosmic data into sheet music, inviting musicians worldwide to bring the universe to life through sound.
This innovative project not only democratises access to space research but also enables individuals who are visually impaired or have low vision to experience celestial wonders through auditory means.
STELLAR DATA TURNED INTO SOUND
The project began by translating raw telescope data into sonic signatures. Utilising precise mathematical mappings, each pixel corresponds to a unique sound, allowing those who cannot process visual data to engage directly with astronomical science.
This sonic experience provides an alternative way to understand and appreciate the cosmos.
Kastner worked closely with Nasa to compose three movements of music. The freely accessible sheet music empowers musicians to interpret and perform astronomical data, pushing the boundaries of scientific communication and engagement.
MUSICAL VIGNETTES FROM THE GALACTIC CENTRE
In a departure from traditional data sonification, Kastner focused on highlighting small, isolated events within the Galactic Centre. Through a series of detailed musical vignettes, each piece is inspired by specific features in the data set.
Kastner describes her approach: “I approached the form from a different perspective than the original sonifications. Instead of scanning horizontally, I focused on small sections of the image and created short vignettes to accompany those events, as if crafting a film score. The Galactic Centre image was rich with information, prompting me to direct the listener’s attention to smaller moments within the extensive dataset.”
COSMIC SOUNDSCAPE ACCESS AND IMPACT
The scores, available for free, allow both ensembles and soloists to perform these cosmic soundscapes. Nasa actively encourages musicians to share their interpretations and professional performances, inviting diverse musical talents to engage with the material.
This effort addresses widespread interest from musicians in playing the data directly. Unlike algorithmic sound synthesis, Universe of Sound offers tangible scores that weave scientific discovery with artistic expression, enabling live performances that connect audiences with astronomical phenomena.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND EXPLORATION
Nasa, System Sounds, and participating musicians collectively demonstrate how scientific archives can be experienced through innovative formats, fostering a deeper public connection to space research through sound.
Nasa invites musicians, researchers, and the public to explore this auditory universe. Scores and additional resources are freely available via Nasa’s outreach platforms.
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