The Educational Soundmap is an interactive, web-based visualization developed by Virgo Outreach at INFN showcasing gravitational-wave (GW) discoveries from the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations. It provides an engaging educational experience by combining auditory cues and sky-localization visualization for each event.
When you hover over or click on regions of the celestial map, the corresponding audio file is played.These audio files are sourced from the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center, which transposes GW time-series signals into audible formats. The experience can be enhanced by using headphones, allowing users to appreciate subtle frequency variations tied to astrophysical signals.
The map displays the 90% credible sky-localization regions derived from the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) in MOC (Multi Order Coverage map) format, mapping the probability of an event’s position across the sky. Multiple layers of all-sky surveys—such as Fermi, 2MASS, DSS, AKARI, and more—can be toggled, providing visual context and allowing users to align GW events with familiar astronomical backgrounds.
Key Features:
- Interactive sky map that sonifies gravitational-wave localization.
- Audio feedback tied to entering/exiting GW event regions.
- Visual overlays with major sky surveys and artistic backgrounds.
- Educational audio files for several significant binary-merger events—including binary black hole and neutron star collisions.
- Designed for outreach and classroom use, to make GW discovery tangible and intuitive.
The tool aims to spark curiosity and illustrate the multi-dimensional nature of GW astronomy by combining spatial, temporal, and acoustic elements. It merges cutting-edge science with accessible design to help users intuitively explore how the cosmos “sounds” through gravitational-wave signals.
Launched in April 2023, the soundmap is part of an ongoing outreach initiative by Virgo & EGO to make gravitational-wave research accessible, blending scientific depth with interactive engagement. The team continues to gather user feedback through the Virgo-EGO Outreach group, with a technical paper from Greco, Rei, Bawaj et al. forthcoming.
This soundmap is a compelling example of multi-sensory science communication, transforming complex data into an immersive learning experience. It is especially suited for educators, students, and the public, providing a playful yet scientifically accurate gateway into the world of gravitational waves.