A small, boxy device known as LightSound is revolutionizing eclipse events across the country by converting light into the sounds of instruments. This innovative device, developed by an astronomer at Harvard University, Allyson Bieryla, utilizes a light sensor to capture data, specifically light intensity during an eclipse.
The LightSound device then processes this data through a MIDI synthesizer board, assigning instrument sounds based on the light intensity values. As the moon obstructs the sun and darkness envelops the Earth, the tones emitted by the device change accordingly, providing a unique auditory experience of the eclipse.
One of the primary objectives of the LightSound project is to make eclipse events more inclusive and accessible to individuals with visual impairments. By translating the visual spectacle of an eclipse into a musical composition, those who are blind can now engage with and appreciate this natural phenomenon in a whole new way.
For the 2024 eclipse, approximately 900 LightSound devices were constructed and distributed to various locations in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The recipients of these devices were able to immerse themselves in the eclipse through the harmonious blend of light and sound, transcending traditional visual observations.
Allyson Bieryla emphasized the importance of providing alternative sensory experiences for individuals without sight, highlighting that the beauty of an eclipse can be perceived and enjoyed through means other than vision. She expressed that while the visual aspect of totality is awe-inspiring, there are diverse ways to interpret and experience such celestial events.
