The Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) promotes Inclusive Eclipse, an initiative that will use LightSound devices to convert the variations in brightness produced by the eclipse into sound signals. Around 55 public events spread across Spain will have sonification spaces. (ICMM)
How an eclipse is converted into sound
LightSound measures the intensity of ambient light and translates its changes into sound. As the Moon obscures the Sun, the decrease in brightness modifies the acoustic signal received by the user.
The tool thus allows perceiving the evolution of the eclipse without relying exclusively on vision.
The project is especially designed for blind or visually impaired people, although the activities are open to the general public. ICE-CSIC has distributed the devices among observation organizers and has published a map of the activities that will offer this experience.
A sound map of the eclipse in Spain
The initiative aims to go beyond the very day of August 12. The records obtained with LightSound will serve to create a sound map of the eclipse's passage through the country.
Inclusive Eclipse is led by the Institute of Space Sciences of CSIC and is funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology. The project develops activities and tools to bring astronomy closer to groups that traditionally face more barriers to participating in this type of scientific events.
The total eclipse will cross the Peninsula at sunset on August 12 and is the first visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century. In this case, in addition to observing how the Sun temporarily disappears, it will be possible to hear how the light goes out.