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| Paper: |
SUN: A New Encounter with Our Closest Star |
| Volume: |
537, ASP 2022: A Virtual Conference |
| Page: |
69 |
| Authors: |
Walsh, R. W.; Rinsler, A. |
| Abstract: |
SUN is a collaboration between Prof. Robert Walsh and artist Alex Rinsler, in partnership with the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The art/science installation is a 7 metre floating spherical light artwork presenting actual astrophysical data from NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory in stunning 360°. SUN displays 10 weeks in the life of our closest star in 12.5 minutes of real time and is designed to be a spectacular cultural centrepiece. The continually revolving imagery reveals the Sun in extreme ultraviolet, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond human sight, with the ethereal atmosphere completed by additional smoke effects and an original soundscape. Images can be found at www.seethesun.org. SUN was piloted in 2019 at two local light festivals, attracting more than 10,000 visitors. Recent SUN installs have included the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Brussels, the Warwick Arts Centre, and Cardiff City Hall. This talk will outline the process of how an artist and an astronomer can collaborate to instigate, plan, fund, build, present and evaluate a project such as SUN. SUN has a unique “wow” factor and the team works with the host venue to deliver a targeted programme of science engagement. This includes astronomers interacting with SUN visitors; on-site school science/art workshops; information stands and relevant exhibits around SUN itself; an 8-min video that has been sign language interpreted as well as a SUN AR app that allows the user to visualise walking through the Sun's 3D magnetic field. The physical manifestation of real astronomical data for an object that everyone is familiar is inspirational and engaging. The talk will examine how this art/astro approach has enhanced science discovery and artist expression as well as the wider public understanding of both. Outline plans for bringing SUN to a significantly diverse range of venues across the world will be discussed, including the 2024 USA solar eclipse. |
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