The LightSound prototype was developed for the 2017 Solar Eclipse. We had 1 device in Jackson Hole, WY and 2 devices in Kentucky at Morehead State University and at the Kentucky School for the Blind.
The LightSound was redesigned with a new, higher dynamic range light sensor and a midi-board was added to improve the sound quality. The project built and distributed 20 devices across Chile and Argentina.
A prototype LightSound device with a color sensor (called Orchestar) was part of the International Astronomical Union's traveling exhibition called Inspiring Stars which was an exhibition highlighting Astronomy resources that promote egaliatarian participation of those with disabilities. The exhibition traveled the world (Belgium, Italy, UK, Argentina, Chile, France, Thailand, Colombia, and Japan) during 2019.
Despite the pandemic, and many thanks to our Chilean collaborators, Paulina Troncoso and Erika Labbe, and our Argentinian collaborator, Beatriz Garcia, we were able to distribute over 100 devices to communities across Chile and Argentina!
With a goal of building over 750 LightSound devices for the April 2024 total eclipse, the project is busy running workshops and building devices. We have donated over 200 new devices already in time for the annular eclipse.
The LightSound device was designed and developed in 2017 as a tool for the Blind and Low Vision (BLV) community to experience a solar eclipse with sound. The device uses a technique called sonification which is the process of converting data (or light intensity in this case) to sound. As the Moon eclipses the Sun during a Solar Eclipse the sunlight begins to dim and the LightSound device will output a change in musical tone. The device can be attached to headphones or to a speaker to project the sound for a group. LightSound is powered by either by a 9V battery, rechargeable Li-ion battery, or by connecting it to a laptop via USB. Data can be collected and saved for later analysis or sonification when the device is connected to a computer.
Example demo sound clip. The orange case was 3D printed for the 2019/2020 South American eclipses in Chile. The black circle slowly covers the light sensor as a representation of the dimming of the sunlight during the eclipse. Video credit: Paulina Troncoso Iribarren
Submit your LightSound eclipse photos, videos, and data!The LightSound Project has a goal of building 750+ devices to be distrubuted at no-cost to groups hosting eclipse events. Our hope is to provide a tool to aid in the accessibility of eclipse events for the blind and low vision community. The device can also be used as an educational tool prior to events when describing eclipse phenomena.
A map of the locations of LightSound devices that have been distributed for the 2023/2024 North American eclipses. Each pin on the map has contact information for each site. This map will continually be updated as devices are delivered and as devices are moved around for the 2024 eclipse.
Submit your LightSound eclipse photos, videos, and data!Astronomer
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Graduate Student
University of Arizona
Engineer
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Astronomer
Director of Lecture Demos
Harvard University
This project would not be possible without the funding support from the International Astronomical Union, the American Astronomical Society, the National Science Foundation, and the Simon's Foundation.