Sonification: What is it and what are the sounds of the universe –

Sonification is part of a new NASA project to make our perception of the universe even more fascinating. Although the images we observe are breathtaking, now scientists have gone further and brought us the sounds of the universe!

But how?

Basically, collecting and working with the plethora of data from several different telescopes, such as optical images from Hubble, X-rays from Chandra and even infrared information from the decommissioned Spitzer.

What is sonification?

It is the process of transforming data into sound elements through in-depth study of the information. From images, graphics to DNA sequences or even… the elements of the universe!

Sonification is a complex activity, where it is necessary to understand the nuances and translate them into harmonic acoustic elements that make sense.

The objective is to create new perceptions, favored by our ability to absorb and better understand the message and intensity through our auditory system.

In addition to all the benefits that music provides, the aim is also to create a new form of communication and improve sensations.

Especially in this case, the work that NASA did together with the SYSTEM Sounds project is something very innovative and at the same time, unusual.

They even explain in a TED Talk how they create the sounds of the universe.

The sounds of the universe

In an article about some curiosities about the universe, we had already talked about the sound wave frequencies emitted by stars (asteroseismology) and how NASA, in partnership with astrophysicist Garik Israelian and composer Brian Eno, had captured this surprising phenomenon.

However, in this new stage, the space agency teamed up with musicians to create perfect melodies about astronomical events, within the Milky Way or not.

According to Kimberly Arcand, one of the scientific communicators at Chandra and also at Harvard (and who leads many of these projects), the idea is to make astronomical data more accessible and understandable to everyone – whether they have some scientific knowledge or not.

Likewise, it is a form of inclusion, as it provides hearing impaired people with contact with spatial elements that was never possible before.

Although films show space with sound effects, the reality is not quite like that: the vacuum present in the cosmos makes it impossible for any sound to be audible to us.

According to SYSTEM Sounds, we would only be able to hear the sounds of the planets in our solar system if they orbited around 8 billion times faster than they currently do. Obviously, if it were possible for the noise to travel to us.

So, the representation happens based on different distances and brightness for different volumes and notes. For example, an image of a supernova explosion shows increasing intensity in the area of ​​the shock wave, bringing calmer tones as we leave the region.

So, check out the beautiful study that was made based on images of the universe and its phenomena!

Supernova remnants

Supernova 1987A

In one of the brightest supernova explosions, in 1987, it was possible to observe the one also known as “SN 87A”. The eruption took place in the Large Magellanic Clouds galaxy, our neighbor!

The combination of optical data with x-rays was adapted so that both wavelengths were identified simultaneously. As the cursor moves forward, the sound becomes increasingly high pitched, becoming very loud as the light becomes brighter.

Crab Nebula

Close to the Taurus Constellation, the Crab Nebula has always been the subject of great study. As we have already mentioned, the explosion happened around 1,050 BC and its brightness was so intense that it could be seen for several weeks, even during the day.

In this example of sonification, each wavelength represents a type of instrument, with Chandra’s x-ray data (blue and white) being identified by wind data, Hubble’s optical data by strings and Spitzer’s (infrared) data by wood.

Again, the bright light highlighted is represented by high notes, with the sound loudest in the brightest regions and softest in the dark.

Bullet Cluster

Next, cluster 1E 0657-56 shows an area where two galaxies merged and was the first evidence of what we know today as dark matter. In other words: it is a matter that does not interact with others or with itself. However, it exerts gravitational effects on celestial bodies such as stars and galaxies.

It makes up most of our universe, and here the Chandra X-rays, in pink, represent the hot fusion gas that has moved away from the dark matter. In this way, they portrayed them at higher frequencies, while the galaxies were in medium tones and the dark mass in lower ones.

Listening to the impacts on the Moon

In another example, we see the impacts of objects that collided on the Moon, forming its craters over billions of years.

Here, 11 impacts generate louder, deeper notes for larger craters, while the background is the conversion of our satellite’s surface elevation into a sound wave.

Indeed, a true masterpiece!

Interact with the universe

In addition to creating this incredible project, SYSTEM Sounds outdid itself and brought even more innovation to the experience with the sounds of the universe.

Therefore, on their website you can listen to the melody of Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. The interactive sonification experience is incredible and makes us feel even more connected with the immensity we inhabit.

Have the cosmos closer to you

It’s amazing how much science can move us, right?

In this sense, we at , passionate about everything that involves astronomy, create products that combine the grandeur of the universe with the beauty of special moments.

Through the world’s main astronomical catalogs, we enable you or someone you love to have:

In the case of maps (personalized frames), you can choose the color, model and place messages for a special person or self-love phrases that you prefer. Our pendant has three different versions and is completely unisex.

Consequently, it is a creative and exclusive gift for any occasion, which can be from the day of someone’s birth to the celebration of a moment.

That said, it’s an incredible way to immortalize moments and show that, even though we are so small in the vastness of the world, we can also be giants.