Title:
ACCESSIBLE SONIFICATION OF TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: ACCESSIBLE MAP AND MULTIMODAL VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE
ACCESSIBLE SONIFICATION OF TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: ACCESSIBLE MAP AND MULTIMODAL VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE
Author(s)
Walmer, Auralee
Cash, Nicolette
Yin, Wenqing
Majors, Teairis
Biggs, Brandon
Walker, Bruce N.
Cash, Nicolette
Yin, Wenqing
Majors, Teairis
Biggs, Brandon
Walker, Bruce N.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
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Abstract
April 8th, 2024 marks a rare astronomical event impacting a notable
portion of North America – a total solar eclipse. While this
event can be witnessed by those along the path of totality, many
may find it inaccessible due to their geographical location or a
possible visual impairment which would exclude them from the
experience. We aim to make the solar eclipse more accessible,
by creating an audio-visual representation of the event that can be
both educational and awe-inspiring. There are three primary components
of this project, each designed to be accessible before, during,
and after the 2024 eclipse: (1) accessible audio-visual maps;
(2) a virtual reality simulation with educational and immersive features;
and (3) a soundscape to accompany the real-time total solar
eclipse event. Each component introduces intentionally designed
sonic parameters, as well as narrative elements, to guide listeners
through each feature of the project. We explore the challenges and
benefits of expressing the total solar eclipse auditorily, and argue
that an audio-visual format provides both educational and engaging
benefits. Our ultimate goal is to provide an experience that is
illuminating, enriching, and most importantly, accessible to anyone
regardless of visual impairment or geographical location.
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Date Issued
2024-06
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings
Rights Statement
Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)