Astronomical Sonification
Converting astronomical data into sound
Sonification represents real astronomical data through audio:
- Alternative exploration method that can potentially reveal patterns less prominent in visual representations
- Creates aurally pleasing and scientifically accurate representations of cosmic signals
- Valuable tool for outreach and public engagement with astronomy
TXS 0506+056
🔊 Remember to play with sound! Sound-only MIDI available.
Sonification of real observations of the TXS 0506+056 blazar – the first known source of high-energy neutrinos:
- Lightcurves spanning from gamma-rays (🛰️ Fermi) to multifrequency radio (📡 RATAN-600)
- Each lightcurve is represented by a 🎹 piano note — higher frequencies mapped to higher pitches
- Neutrino arrival (🧊 IceCube) marked by 🥁 cymbals
- 👂 Listen for:
- Gamma-ray peak aligns with neutrino arrival
- Radio flares are delayed, with higher frequencies/pitches arriving before lower frequencies