New Technology to Assist Blind Individuals Experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Through Hearing and Touch

On Monday, 8 April, people across much of North America will have the opportunity to witness one of the most magnificent celestial events. A total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States, providing viewers with an incredible sight. This eclipse is expected to be even better than the last one that occurred seven years ago.

At its maximum, viewers in the right place will be in the path of totality, where light from the Sun is completely blotted out except for that of the corona, for nearly four and a half minutes. Moreover, those who are blind or visually impaired will also have the chance to experience the celestial event with the help of a sound and touch device.

The LightSound device was designed and developed in 2017 through a collaboration between Harvard astronomer Allyson Bieryla and Wanda Díaz-Merced, an astronomer who is blind. This device uses sound to allow individuals to experience the eclipse through audio cues. The sensor on the LightSound device emits high-pitch musical tones under normal light, which gradually drop as the Moon blocks the Sun’s light.

The LightSound Project is completely open source and provides downloadable DIY instructions in English, Spanish, and French on how to build your own device. The project had a goal of building over 750 devices in conjunction with other institutions in time for the April 2024 total solar eclipse. Several listening events are planned for Monday, 8 April, from Colombia to Canada, providing an opportunity for people to experience the eclipse together.

Overall, the total solar eclipse on 8 April presents an exciting opportunity for people across North America to witness a spectacular celestial event. Whether viewing it in person in the path of totality or experiencing it through the innovative LightSound device, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.