The Orion constellation as an installation - An innovative three dimensional teaching and learning environment

TL;DR

This paper introduces an immersive, walk-through Orion constellation installation that enhances three-dimensional visualization and understanding of astronomical concepts through interactive, collaborative learning.

Contribution

It presents a novel 3D installation that improves upon traditional tabletop activities by enabling immersive exploration of the Orion constellation and related astronomical phenomena.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of star size and scale

Improved engagement in astronomy education

Facilitated exploration of stellar evolution and sky culture

Abstract

Visualising the three dimensional distribution of stars within a constellation is highly challenging for both students and educators, but when carried out in an interactive collaborative way it can create an ideal environment to explore common misconceptions about size and scale within astronomy. We present how the common table top activities based upon the Orion constellation miss out on this opportunity. Transformed into a walk-through Orion installation that includes the position of our Solar system, it allows the students to fully immerse themselves within the model and experience parallax. It enables participants to explore within the installation many other aspects of astronomy relating to sky culture, stellar evolution, and stellar timescales establishing an innovative learning and teaching environment.