Speakers
Description
Translating complex space weather phenomena into formats that are engaging and understandable for general audiences is an ongoing challenge in science communication. This project explores how authentic scientific data can be transformed into immersive educational experiences—focusing on the aurora and its connection to solar activity, the Earth’s magnetic field, and the ionosphere.
We integrate real datasets from multiple scientific sources into volumetric visualizations implemented in the open-source software OpenSpace, originally developed for science communication and space mission visualization. The data will include incoherent scatter radar measurements, optical aurora imagery from ground-based camera networks such as ALIS_4D, as well as satellite data on solar activity (e.g., SDO) and ionospheric conditions (e.g., Swarm, NOAA). These data are transformed into dynamic visual narratives designed for digital planetarium (dome) theaters at science centers.
The dome experience targets a broad audience—families, school classes, and students—who may have little prior knowledge of space physics. The immersive environment allows for spatial and temporal exploration of space weather processes in a way that is both scientifically accurate and emotionally compelling. Viewers witness the journey of solar particles, their interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere, and the resulting auroral displays—visualized as a full immersive experience.
To broaden the experience beyond passive viewing, we also incorporate interactive hands-on activities in the science center setting. These include the Planeterrella experiment (demonstrating aurora formation in a vacuum chamber with magnetic fields), magnetic field mapping using sensors and iron filings, and experiments with static electricity to explore electric charge and field concepts. These activities create a multimodal learning experience that supports embodied understanding and sparks curiosity.
We are currently developing evaluation instruments to capture both cognitive and affective responses from the audience. Our methodology includes pre/post engagement surveys, observational protocols, and interviews, grounded in science communication and informal learning frameworks. The goal is to assess not only what participants learn, but also how the immersive and interactive formats affect their emotional engagement and perception of relevance.
This poster will present the technical visualization pipeline, the data integration strategy, the learning environment design, and our plans for audience evaluation. We position this work as part of a broader effort to bring scientific data closer to society, using powerful visual and experiential tools to make the invisible phenomena of space weather both visible and meaningful.
We welcome feedback from the space weather community on how to improve the fidelity and educational value of these visualizations and are especially interested in collaborations with researchers looking to communicate their own data through public-facing formats.
