This is how we're opening up the universe to the blind

The size, shape, formation and backstory of the universe has been the cause of fascination for scientists and researchers for a long time. But what of the barriers for blind and partially sighted researchers? 

In our latest blog, we've broken down the steps our academics are taking to make astronomy a more inclusive field of study, and allow people and children to 'hear' the universe for the first time ever. 

Read on to find out more.

Getting down to basics

There is debate as to who first coined the idea of a universe, although Edwin Hubble is widely credited to have ignited our interest through his work at the Mount Wilson Observatory in California – most notably with the Andromeda findings in the early 1920s.

At the time, Hubble was actually reluctant to publish his results, worried about making such a grand announcement prematurely without watertight evidence.

The American astronomer could only have dreamed of the data extracting and analytical tools we have at our disposal today. Thanks to enormous advances made since Hubble’s time, we are able to map models of the universe and create images in unprecedented detail, mapping millions of galaxies and looking back billions of years in time.

The presentation of astronomical data has, however, only been able to be fully appreciated by those with unimpaired vision.

However, the time has come to make exploring the universe open to all.

Breaking down barriers for blind and partially sighted people

In December 2021, astronomers from the universities of Newcastle and Portsmouth launched a pioneering project to allow blind and partially sighted adults and children to ‘hear’ the universe for themselves.

Created and directed by Newcastle University’s Dr Chris Harrison, Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System is a sound-based educational astronomy show to make learning about the Universe a more immersive and inclusive experience for all. 

The research has involved the development of new methods to represent data through sound. Not only will this grant access to resources for blind and visually impaired researchers, but it will also open up possibilities to make new scientific discoveries.

Indeed, by searching for features in data using sound, we may be able to make new findings that visual representation cannot reveal.

Stars, suns, and Caribbean rhythms

Since the launch of the Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System, the team (which also includes Dr James Trayford from the University of Portsmouth who co-leads the Audio Universe project) joined with the University of West Indies and a blind musician from Trinidad to reinterpret the show with musical instruments, vocals, and rhythms from the Caribbean.

Professor Shirin Haque, an astronomer at the University of the West Indies said: 'In the West Indies, we are short of resources to support the education of children with disabilities. Based on his earlier work, I invited Dr Harrison to meet with teachers, community leaders, and members of our research group to consult with us on producing accessible educational resources in our local region. I could not be more delighted that one result of this visit was the creation of this new show!'

During his visit, Dr Harrison met Mr Arron George, a blind Trinidadian musician. George said: 'When Chris first played the sounds to represent the stars appearing and planets orbiting, I felt awe, wonder, and a deep sense of hope.

'As the first blind student in the Caribbean to successfully pass physics and chemistry at the CSEC level, I overcame countless barriers in pursuing science. There were no facilities or tools designed for someone like me, and I often had to create my own way forward.

'These sounds opened up the Universe to me in a way I could never experience visually, revealing its wonders in a form I could truly appreciate. But I couldn’t help thinking, what if we made this Caribbean-style? Imagine replacing glockenspiels with steel pans, layering vibrant Caribbean rhythms, and infusing our culture into the experience. It would not only reflect the beauty of our region but also make the cosmos accessible and relatable to all who learn differently.'

This visit resulted in a collaboration between the astronomers and George to produce a new Caribbean-style soundtrack for Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System. The show premiered in January 2025 and is available to watch online:

This project was supported by funding from United Kingdom Research and Innovation grants and the Royal Astronomical Society. The Simons Foundation supported the workshop and travel for Dr Harrison’s visit to Trinidad.

What else we're doing in the name of inclusivity

Beyond the core research work, the universities are taking part in several spin-off engagement activities, including the show Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System, that involve using our computer code to develop educational resources for the blind and visually impaired members of the public.

The original project was premiered at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle and Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium with the release of a 35-minute educational planetarium show. It used sounds and visuals to represent the components of the Solar System, and is available online free of charge in English, Spanish and Italian languages.

Moreover, the show will be formatted for both planetarium and flatscreen viewing.

Uniting institutions for change

Astronomers at Newcastle University are proud to work with colleagues from the University of Portsmouth on this project. They are also currently working on a five-year quest to map the universe and unravel the mysteries of dark energy using Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument technology, a project which involves collaboration with scientists all over the world.

Meanwhile, NU Solve continues to work as a key unit within Newcastle University’s School of Maths, Stats and Physics, shining a light on the department’s various projects with external partners to enable real-life applications of Maths, Stats and Physics. 

Images: Alessandro Nastasi/Fondazione GAL Hassin

Find out more

• learn more about Dr Chris Harrison, Reader in Astrophysics at Newcastle University
• meet Emma, who through the support of her teacher and our researchers has been able to experience the universe through sound
• find out more about Learn more about NU Solve’s work and its industry-wide collaborations.