Experience the first full-color images and data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in a brand new way. NASA’s Webb Telescope uncovered two views of the Southern Ring Nebula, one in near-infrared light and one in mid-infrared light. The colors in the images were mapped to pitches of sound — frequencies of light converted directly to frequencies of sound — in a data sonification.

This video only includes sounds from the near-infrared view. Near-infrared light is represented here by a higher range of frequencies than mid-infrared light. There are two stars in the center of this planetary nebula. In the near-infrared, only one star is heard clearly, with a louder clang. 

Sonifications support blind and low-vision listeners first, but are designed to be captivating to anyone who tunes in. This sonification, which scans the images from left to right, was adapted to a video to allow sighted viewers to watch as a vertical line moves across the frame.

The sonification does not represent sounds recorded in space. Two musicians mapped the telescope’s data to sound, carefully composing music that represents near- and mid-infrared light, specifically to hear their contrasts. In a way, this sonification is like modern dance or an abstract painting – it converts two of Webb’s images into a new medium to engage and inspire listeners. Learn more: [ Ссылка ]

Also listen to these versions of the Southern Ring Nebula sonification:
1. Mid-infrared Image: [ Ссылка ]
2. Side-by-Side Image: [ Ссылка ]

Want more Webb sonifications? Check out the Carina Nebula sonification ([ Ссылка ]), and the WASP-96 b sonification ([ Ссылка ]).

Credits: Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI; Accessibility Production: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and Kimberly Arcand (CXC/SAO), Matt Russo and Andrew Santaguida (SYSTEM Sounds), Quyen Hart (STScI), Claire Blome (STScI), and Christine Malec (consultant).

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