NASA has transformed images of the Andromeda galaxy into sound, providing a novel way to experience and understand this neighboring galaxy. This innovative approach combines data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton, converting different light wavelengths into distinct audio notes.
The sonification assigns different notes to various types of light, from low-energy radio waves to high-energy X-rays. The brightness of each source controls the volume, while the vertical position determines the pitch. This method allows individuals with visual impairments to explore astronomical data.
This initiative aligns with the recent inauguration of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, which features the world's largest digital camera. The observatory's 3,200-megapixel camera and 8.4-meter telescope will conduct a ten-year census of the sky, mapping millions of galaxies and asteroids.