a tumblr-based, research design platform which creates generative monochromatic illustrations with the use of code has captured the sound of the sun in a unique audiovisual artwork. the illustration is the latest in a project created by ‘thedotisblack’ platform, which uses NASA research to explore audiovisuals related to planets, stars and space.

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of the sun as recorded in a unique audiovisual using processing techniques

 

 

to create these drawings ‘thedotisblack‘ uses mainly sound recordings taken directly from NASA, ESA or any other institute conducting research projects in space. for the majority, sounds are taken from the voyager 1 & 2 space probes as they passed near the different planetary and moon bodies within the solar system. these recordings are captured in the form of ‘electromagnetic vibrations’ are then processed into sounds using a specially designed plasma wave science instrument. the instrument works by sensing waves of electrons in the ionized gas or ‘plasma’ that voyagers travel through.

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of the earth with the astrological symbol ⊕, representing the cardinal directions

 

 

these plasma waves, undetectable by human ears, occur at audio frequencies between a few hundred and a few thousand hertz, and are complex interactions of charged electromagnetic particles from the solar wind ionospheres and planetary magnetosphere. these audio files are carefully researched before being processed into audiovisuals using code, accompanied by a video which attempts to reflect on the aesthetics of sound and provide the viewer with a unique aural and unexpected visual experience.

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of jupiter with the astrological symbol ♃ representing the mind (crescent) rising above the horizon of matter (cross)

 

 

the sound of the sun is based on the recordings of the solar and heliospheric observatory (SOHO) where astronomers at stanford university recorded acoustical pressure waves in the sun by tracking movements on its’ surface. by using a machine known as the michelson doppler imager (MDI), the astronomers are able to measure the changing light waves given off the sun, data translated into motion (sound) waves by computer models that capture the relationships between light waves and sound waves.

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of saturn’s rings with the astrological symbol ♄ representing the matter (cross) taking precedence over mind or human spirit (crescent)

 

 

thedotisblack, which was launched in 2014 by architect, designer and educator, david mrugala, has created the audiovisuals as part of a long term project which hopes to add further information as new interesting findings are achieved in space and beyond.

 

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of saturn with the astrological symbol for the planet ♄ representing the matter (cross) taking precedence over mind or human spirit (crescent)

 

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of uranus with the astrological symbol ♅ representing the circle of spirit and a dominant cross of matter, in form of an antenna that uses matter as a way to insight

 

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
the sound of neptune with the astrological symbol ♆ representing the mind or receptivity (crescent) transcending matter (cross).

 

thedotisblack NASA sound of the sun audiovisual
detail of the sound of sun audiovisual

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: kieron marchese | designboom