Eclipse can be defined as the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another. This is indeed an awe-inspiring experience but this experience remains inaccessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Having said so, there is an innovation called “LightSound”. This innovation allows blind people to experience the phenomenon of eclipse through the power of sound.

How it works?

For the context, witnessing a solar eclipse requires looking directly at the sun. Without proper eye protection, looking directly at the sun can be unsafe. This excludes those who are blind as they are left with no way to participate in this natural phenomenon. That’s when a team at Harvard University felt the need to come up with a solution — the LightSound device.

This device uses a light sensor to detect changes in light intensity during an eclipse. This information is then converted into audible tones using a scientific process called sonification. This innovation is bringing a transformational change towards making astronomical events more inclusive.

Imagine the bright sun translating to a high-pitched flute sound. As the moon begins to cover the sun, the tones might shift to a mid-range clarinet. Finally, during totality, when the sky darkens, the sound might fade to a low clicking or even silence. Imagine “hearing” the colors of a sunset or the changing patterns of clouds. These experiences, once impossible, could become a reality with advancements in sonification technology.

While LightSound’s technology is still under development, its success highlights the importance of creating accessible experiences in science and nature. This proves that technology if harnessed to its full potential, can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe.

(Note: India accounts for around 20% of the global blind population. Project Eyeway is an initiative by Score Foundation that acts as a one-stop knowledge resource for those people who are living their lives with blindness. Eyeway operates a national toll-free Helpdesk — 1800 53 20469.)