Description:

Information of our Universe doesn't have to be just a two-dimensional image. The digital data we capture of different kinds of light, much of which can’t be seen naturally by humans, can be transformed and made accessible for many audiences.  Listen to the center of our Milky Way galaxy with data sonification, hold an exploded star through 3D printing, feel haptic information or vibrations of a stellar nursery, and experience our Universe anew. Learn about some of the innovative ways that scientists, user interface designers, educators and accessibility experts are applying universal design tactics to our Universe.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a leading expert in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging, printing, and extended reality applications with astrophysics data. She has worked for NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory since 1998. She is an expert in studying the perception and comprehension of high-energy data visualization across the novice-expert spectrum. Her current projects include sonification of spatial data, screen-based holograms and other intersections of emerging technology and astrophysics.

The presentation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM on Zoom. Zoom meeting information will be sent via email once you register.

Open to all Harvard affiliates. Please RSVP for the event below. If you have any questions, please contact libraryux@harvard.edu.

Accommodation Statement: Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions may contact the User Research Center at libraryux@harvard.edu in advance of the event.