Exoplanets is a solar synthesis and sequencing tool. Focusing on the notion of celestial bodies that may physically exist but have yet to be observed in our known universe, this installation (for stereo or quadrophonic array) aims to provide participants the opportunity to explore and learn about the physical composition of these planets, presenting each planet as an audiovisual entity to elicit a sense of embodiment in the learning process.
Users control the sound of the planets based on audiovisual archetypes of the hypothetical planet's physical properties (i.e. Habitable planets having a green colour, and sounding like chirping crickets, Ocean planets being blue and rippling, with a slowly undulating wave-like sound). Controlling size, density, temperature, and atmosphere, users create a layered soundscape of up to 6 planets with discreet control of properties of the sound, based on the metaphor of planet composition.
The installation, made for a quadrophonic setup, sees the sounds spinning around the users head corresponding to the visual orbit of the solar system, mapping technical data via audiovisual metaphor with the aim of user exploration of both the hypothetical planets, and synthesis, through a simple to use UI.
Exoplanets has gone on to exhibit in the Manchester Science Festival.
Installed in the 1800's Warehouse as part of the annual Manchester Science and Industry Museum (Boasting 20,000+ attendance over the week long event). Exoplanets ran for the duration of the festival as part of the NOVARs Research Centre Booth, giving attendees the chance to curate and compose their own solar system and explore where in the solar system Humanities future may lie.
