Tuning into Sounds of the Universe

Radio astronomers have been providing fascinating evidence that the stars and planets produce resonating fields that can be turned into radio waves. The information from asteroseismology (the study of star sounds) can be applied to a better understanding of the size, age, potential habitability and more.

Although several sources about the sounds of the universe have appeared online and in print over the past few years, a very nice reminder that we can hear the universe was featured recently on the Huffington Post online. As they do each Friday,  the Huff Post and TEDWeekends joined together on February 22, 2013 to share a “powerful idea worth spreading.”

In this case, the “powerful idea” was described in a mesmerizing video presentation featuring a talk by curator and artist Honor Harger.  In her talk, entitled Tuning into the Universe, she points out that we can both see and hear the stars and planets. And she illustrates that although they are not directly audible, we can hear them thanks to breakthroughs in radio technology.

Ms. Harger’s presentation provides a penetrating understanding of the resonating forces of our lives.  Using stunning visuals from outer space to accompany sounds, the presentation evokes an enjoyable voyage. Among other things, we can hear powerful sounds from our own very bright Sun, along with sounds from other heavenly bodies.