Stereo pairs in Astrophysics

TL;DR

Stereo pairs are underutilized in astrophysics but can significantly improve data visualization and communication, especially for multi-dimensional data, by providing more realistic representations in publications and presentations.

Contribution

The paper reviews stereoscopy theory, offers a Python tutorial for creating stereo pairs, and demonstrates their application in astrophysics data visualization.

Findings

Stereo pairs enhance understanding of complex astrophysical data.

They can be integrated into standard journal publications.

Examples include supernova remnants and relativistic jets.

Abstract

Stereoscopic visualization is seldom used in Astrophysical publications and presentations compared to other scientific fields, e.g., Biochemistry, where it has been recognized as a valuable tool for decades. We put forth the view that stereo pairs can be a useful tool for the Astrophysics community in communicating a truer representation of astrophysical data. Here, we review the main theoretical aspects of stereoscopy, and present a tutorial to easily create stereo pairs using Python. We then describe how stereo pairs provide a way to incorporate 3D data in 2D publications of standard journals. We illustrate the use of stereo pairs with one conceptual and two Astrophysical science examples: an integral field spectroscopy study of a supernova remnant, and numerical simulations of a relativistic AGN jet. We also use these examples to make the case that stereo pairs are not merely an ostentatious way to present data, but an enhancement in the communication of scientific results in publications because they provide the reader with a realistic view of multi-dimensional data, be it of observational or theoretical nature. In recognition of the ongoing 3D expansion in the commercial sector, we advocate an increased use of stereo pairs in Astrophysics publications and presentations as a first step towards new interactive and multi-dimensional publication methods.