University of Colorado Boulder Students Collaborate with NASA’s PUNCH Mission to Create “Solar Stones” Exhibit

Students at the University of Colorado Boulder have teamed up with NASA’s PUNCH mission to create a unique exhibit called “Solar Stones.” The exhibit features tactile representations of ancient petroglyphs, providing a multisensory experience for both sighted and visually impaired individuals.

The Inspiration Behind “Solar Stones”

The idea for “Solar Stones” came from a desire to make science and history more accessible to everyone. The team wanted to create an exhibit that would allow visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of ancient petroglyphs in a new and innovative way.

Through their collaboration with NASA’s PUNCH mission, the students were able to incorporate cutting-edge technology into the exhibit. The PUNCH mission is focused on studying the sun and its effects on the solar system, and the team was able to use data from the mission to create a unique visual representation of the sun’s activity.

The Design Process

The design process for “Solar Stones” was a collaborative effort between the students and NASA’s PUNCH mission. The team worked together to create a 3D model of the petroglyphs, which was then used to create the tactile representations.

The team also incorporated audio descriptions of the petroglyphs, allowing visually impaired visitors to experience the exhibit in a more immersive way. The audio descriptions were recorded by the students themselves, adding a personal touch to the exhibit.

The Impact of “Solar Stones”

“Solar Stones” has had a significant impact on the University of Colorado Boulder community and beyond. The exhibit has been featured in local news outlets and has received praise for its innovative approach to making science and history more accessible.

The team behind “Solar Stones” hopes that the exhibit will inspire others to think outside the box when it comes to creating accessible exhibits. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of science and history, regardless of their abilities.

Conclusion

The collaboration between students at the University of Colorado Boulder and NASA’s PUNCH mission has resulted in a truly unique and innovative exhibit. “Solar Stones” provides a multisensory experience for both sighted and visually impaired individuals, making science and history more accessible to everyone.

The exhibit is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to creating accessible exhibits. “Solar Stones” is sure to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of the University of Colorado Boulder students and NASA’s PUNCH mission, creating exhibits that are both informative and inclusive.