We created tactile 3D representations of astronomical star clusters and their surroundings based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Observations. We developed an innovative process to transform 3D visualizations of HST astronomical data into solid 3D tactile patterned layers using data on star clusters. For example we used the scientific data for NGC 602 and Westerlund 2.Our ultimate goal is to produce 3D prints for objects in the universe so that anyone can experience and touch the cosmos at home, in school, in libraries and in museums. We also have produced several textures prints of galaxies from the HST LEGUS survey.
The 3D scientific data for an astronomical objects derived from observational data can be arranged into digital representations, each imprinted with touchable patterning then printed on a 3D printer. The textured layers and surfaces represent different components of complex star formation regions for star clusters (gas, dust, filamentary structure and stars) and for galaxies (star clusters, spiral arms, gas, dust, the bulge region and the central cusp often representing a supermassive black hole).
