[Colorado-Talk] Solar Eclipse- April 8th

Tue Mar 26 01:45:25 UTC 2024

                Hello friends,

I received this information from a distribution list David Goldfield.  I
super nerded out and love this sort of information and thought I should
share it with all of you.  Ways to follow and understand the solar eclipse.

I remember using Soundscape in 2017 with the Rumble Maps, it was
fascinating.

 I hope you like this information as much as I do.

Love this day-

T

Solar Eclipse Accessibility Resources: Assistive Technology For Blind and
Low Vision

When I watched the "Great American Eclipse" in August 2017 from my backyard,
I used the graphics in the Eclipse Soundscapes app as a visual reference,
which were helpful for me to explore as someone with low vision. As I update
this post in advance of the April 2024 total solar eclipse, I've discovered
several other options for blind and low vision viewers to learn about and
view the solar eclipse using a mix of visual, tactile, and audio modalities
to convey information. Here is a round-up of solar eclipse accessibility
resources designed with visually impaired audiences in mind, inclusive of
solar eclipse accessibility for blind and low vision.

Eclipse Soundscapes: Graphics with haptic and auditory feedback

Eclipse Soundscapes is a free iOS and Android application that provides
information about solar eclipses in both English and Spanish. One of the
highlights of this application is the use of the "Rumble Maps", which
consist of high-resolution images that play different sounds/pitches as the
user moves their finger across the image, along with haptic feedback (which
works best for devices that are in a case). Accompanying the Rumble Maps is
a text-based description of each image that can be read with large print,
screen magnification, or a screen reader. There is also a Media screen which
shows high resolution images for the annular solar eclipse and total solar
eclipse, along with audio tracks that provide descriptions for each image
with an accompanying transcript.

I personally used the Eclipse Soundscapes app on my Android phone since it
was easier to hold with one hand compared to my iPad, but the accessibility
features across both apps are identical.

Related links

AudioMoth: Data collection tool that can be configured for nonvisual access

The Eclipse Soundscapes Project that created the above application is a
citizen science project that studies how two total solar eclipses impact
life on earth. One of the opportunities to get involved with the project is
through the Data Collector role, where participants collect audio data
outside for five days using an AudioMoth device. The AudioMoth can be
ordered from the LabMaker website, and users can construct their own data
collection kits using the listed materials and online instructions.

On the Eclipse Soundscapes Project website, there is a section on how to add
tactile bump dots to the AudioMoth device for nonvisual access. For blind
and low vision participants setting up their own AudioMoth device, I
recommend having some sighted assistance available to ensure tactile
components are placed in the correct location and to confirm that the
firmware flashing process was successful.

Related links

The LightSound Project: Solar eclipse sonification tool

The LightSound Project has created a handheld device that translates light
intensity into sound, showing a change in musical tone as the moon eclipses
the sun. The LightSound device can be used with a 9V battery or connected to
a computer via USB, with options for listeners to use headphones or connect
their device to a speaker to hear the sonification. There are a few
different options for procuring a LightSound device, including:

*	Viewing the map of registered LightSound devices on their website,
which include links to public events and organizations that will be using
the LightSound. In my area, the LightSound device location was associated
with several state and national parks sites, as well as a school for the
blind.
*	Requesting a pre-built LightSound device via the Google Forms link
on their website that can be used by groups at a public or private event.
There is a limited quantity of devices available that are available for
free/at no cost to groups
*	Instructions to build a DIY LightSound device, with instructions for
soldering, wiring, and case designs posted in English, Spanish, and French.
I don't have any experience with soldering or building electronics, so I
can't verify if this project would require sighted assistance or not.

Related links

Exploratorium and Total Solar Eclipse: Live sonification with professional
musicians

The Exploratorium is a science museum in San Francisco, California that will
be livestreaming their own real-time musical sonification and composition on
their website and Total Solar Eclipse app. The sonification will be produced
by live musicians, who will play from a musical composition created in real
time using data streamed from a film crew that is broadcasting the eclipse-
each possible data value has been pre-assigned a note or sound, which is
processed using a software program to produce the musical composition. On
their website, there is also a video for the sonification of the 2017
eclipse, which was played by a string quartet.

Related links

Solar Eclipse Social Story: Sharing what to expect

The Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, Arkansas has released a free social
story that provides information about what viewers can expect when watching
the solar eclipse, including how to prepare for the event. While this social
story was not originally created for blind or low vision audiences, it can
be shared or modified so that viewers can know what to expect and learn how
they can participate in eclipse events safely.

Related links

Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast: NASA event streamed on YouTube

For viewers who don't live in the path of totality or that are looking for a
better view of the eclipse, NASA will be streaming a Total Solar Eclipse
Broadcast event live on YouTube and on their website, which will include
video streams from across the path, live expert commentary, and other
demonstrations, with options for streaming in Spanish as well. There will
also be video streams from telescopes and sounding rockets taking off from
Wallops Island in Virginia, providing several options for engaging with
content.

Related links

Getting a Feel For Eclipses: NASA title with tactile graphics

Getting a Feel For Eclipses is a braille book with tactile graphics that
illustrate different components of the solar eclipse, with the option to
access additional information online via QR code. While the digital content
has been posted online for anyone to access, details on how to order the
book are not readily available- the only information I could find was on a
Paths To Literacy post from Perkins School for the Blind. However, I did
enjoy learning about the process to create the tactile graphics, including
how Spanish Moss was used for a model of the sun!

Related links

Other solar eclipse accessibility resources for blind and low vision
audiences

*	When watching the solar eclipse in the sky, viewers must have eye
protection specifically designed to be used when watching a solar eclipse-
sunglasses or tinted glasses do not provide enough protection. I picked up
eclipse glasses at my local library
*	When interacting with images of space, I strongly benefit from
reading image descriptions and alt text, which can provide more contextual
information about what I'm looking at. Learn more about alt text and image
descriptions in How To Write Alt Text and Image Descriptions for the
Visually Impaired
<https://veroniiiic/
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contains image descriptions for their content at @NASA/ X (twitter.com)
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https://veroniiiica.com/solar-eclipse-accessibility/
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