From StarTalk.
What does a black hole sound like? Neil deGrasse Tyson & Chuck Nice explore the sounds of the universe using JWST and Chandra X-Ray Observatory data with astrophysicist and data sonification expert Kimberly Arcand, Live at Guild Hall.
Ever wondered how we can extract sound from space? Kim explains how telescopes see in wavelengths beyond visible light as we explore the electromagnetic spectrum. Learn how we turn space data into sound and how this process allows us to experience the universe in new ways, from supernovae remnants to star-forming nebulae.
Discover the universe’s high-energy phenomena, like black holes and neutron stars, and how the Chandra X-ray Observatory helps astronomers detect these powerful forces. How did Chandra’s technology contribute to advances in fields like medical imaging and shark population monitoring? You’ll also hear clips of real data sonification, from exploding stars to gas clouds, as we explore how sound provides a new dimension to understanding space.
Plus, discover the incredible story of Wanda Díaz-Merced, a blind astronomer who pioneered the use of sonification to study visual data.
As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, Kim shares insights on future missions, such as NASA’s upcoming Lynx X-ray telescope.
With Chandra celebrating 25 years, we explore how this technological marvel is still revealing the mysteries of the cosmos—and what might come next.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Kimberly Arcand
03:48 – Data Sonification vs. The Visible World
9:42 – The Hubble Deep Field
14:58 – Wavelengths & The Electromagnetic Spectrum
22:23 – The CHANDRA Telescope
23:59 – The Crab Nebula
29:00 – Galaxy Clusters & High Energy Light
32:00 – Making an X-Ray Telescope
37:05 – Everyday X-Rays
40:28 – Black Holes & Centaurus A
44:49 – Detecting Dark Matter & Gravitational Lensing
48:23 – Sonification
52:05 – Cass A Nebula Sonification
57:22 – Carina Nebula Cosmic Cliffs JWST Sonification
01:00:39 – V404 Cygni Sonification
01:04:09 – Chandra Deep Field Sonification
01:07:23 – Bullet Cluster Sonification
01:08:33 – Engaging the Different Senses
1:13:30 – The Future of Chandra
1:15:43 – A Cosmic Perspective
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
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