Page History

...

Anyone scientists, science interested persons and members of the general public can better appreciate the universe by viewing not only spectacular imagery but 3D renditions of objects such as galaxies, star clusters, exoplanets, planetary systems and models of individual stellar structure. But what if you cannot see? Astronomy historically is viewed as a visual science, but using tactile 3D models stimulates the imagination, allows us to make representations of the astrophysics we observe and also share this with others. This project addresses the need for assistive materials for individuals with Blindness and Visual Impairment (B/VI) as well as any other individual who can make use of tactile representations of astronomical data. Therefore the  specific objective is to develop 3D prints of astronomical data derived from observations obtained with HST and other facilities. The new 3D prints to be created now are part of a larger program called the Career Exploration Lab, or CEL, developed by C. Christian and T. Madura (San Jose State University). Through the CEL we will assist educators in using the materials and also conduct camps for students with B/VI during the summers as a continuation of the previous camps held in a variety of states.

...