To commemorate the 25th anniversary of NASA ’s Chandra X-ray Observatory , the space agency has released new sonifications of three iconic astronomical images. Sonification , the process of translating data into sound, provides a unique auditory experience of cosmic phenomena, similar to how images visually represent digital data. This approach allows us to perceive the universe in a new dimension, enhancing our understanding of these distant celestial objects.
Sonifying Cassiopeia A One of the highlighted sonifications is of Cassiopeia A (Cas A), the remnant of a supernova explosion located approximately 11,000 light-years from Earth. Chandra's high-resolution X-ray imaging has long showcased Cassiopeia A as a prominent feature of its observatory. The new sonification combines data from Chandra with inputs from NASA’s James Webb, Hubble, and retired Spitzer space telescopes.
The NASA soundscape begins with a triangle tone representing the neutron star at the heart of the remnant—a sight first revealed by Chandra 25 years ago. The sound then transitions outward, reflecting the expanding debris of the exploded star. Brighter areas in the image are rendered through louder and higher-pitched sounds.
Chandra’s X-ray data are converted into piano notes, while infrared data from Webb and Spitzer are translated into string and brass instrument sounds. Stars detected by Hubble are represented as crotales, or small cymbals, adding a distinct auditory element to the mix. Artifi.