The Role of Astronomers in Enabling Visually Impaired Individuals to Experience the Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will captivate millions of people across the United States as it traverses from southern Texas to Maine. However, for the over 7 million blind or visually impaired individuals in the country, experiencing this celestial event in the traditional way may not be possible. Despite this, thanks to the innovative work of astronomers at Harvard University’s Lightsound project, hundreds of visually impaired individuals will have the opportunity to absorb the rare astronomical wonder.
Allyson Barilla, an astronomer at Harvard University, is spearheading this groundbreaking initiative. She firmly believes that just because a person cannot see does not mean they cannot engage in astronomy. Barilla joined forces with her colleague Wanda Diaz Merced, a blind astronomer, to create a device that would enable visually impaired individuals to perceive the eclipse through sound.
The device utilizes a light sensor to capture light and converts the data into sound. This ingenious invention allows blind individuals to experience the different phases of the eclipse through auditory cues. For example, when the light is at its brightest, the device emits the sound of a flute. As the sky darkens during the eclipse, the device produces a light clicking sound. This way, visually impaired individuals can participate in and appreciate the eclipse as a community with those around them.
The success of a prototype used during the 2017 eclipse led to grant funding for further development of the LightSound device. Barilla and her team have been working tirelessly to improve its functionality and ensure that it can be deployed on a larger scale for the upcoming eclipse in 2024.
To meet the high demand, workshops were organized all over the country to recruit volunteers who could help build enough devices. Initially aiming for 750 units, they ended up constructing an impressive 900 LightSound devices. These devices have been distributed to libraries, museums, schools for the blind, and even individuals’ backyards, allowing visually impaired individuals across the country to experience the eclipse as a symphony of sound.
Barilla expresses her joy and excitement about developing a tool that provides access to a group of people who are often overlooked. The LightSound device is truly a testament to the power of innovation and inclusivity in astronomy.
The upcoming total solar eclipse in 2024 has already garnered significant attention, with major media outlets such as ABC News and National Geographic planning special coverage to commemorate this rare event. The live special aims to bring the eclipse to audiences across the nation, and the LightSound device will undoubtedly play a significant role in ensuring visually impaired individuals can join in the celebration.
The work done by astronomers at Harvard University’s Lightsound project highlights the importance of inclusivity in scientific endeavors. By enabling visually impaired individuals to experience the eclipse, they have opened up new avenues for participation in astronomy and have shown that everyone, regardless of visual ability, can appreciate and engage with the wonders of the cosmos.
