Captivating Cosmic Symphony: Photographs that Sing with Sparkling Galaxies

A group of astronomers and musicians called SYSTEM Sounds is transforming data from space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory into musical sequences of sounds, making celestial images accessible to visually impaired individuals. By mapping image data at infrared and x-ray wavelengths onto sound frequencies, they create "sonifications" that offer a new way to experience cosmic phenomena. The team selects instruments to represent different wavelengths and uses musical choices to guide listeners through the image, highlighting important features and distinguishing foreground from background. The sonifications have received positive feedback and could be used for educational purposes.