Multimodal photometry and spectroscopy: a new approach to data analysis in Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper introduces sonoUno, a user-centered tool for sonification of astrophysical data, demonstrating its robustness and usability for inclusive scientific analysis of spectroscopy and photometry data.

Contribution

It presents sonoUno, a novel sonification tool designed with end-user focus, specifically for astrophysics data analysis involving visually impaired users.

Findings

sonoUno effectively enables data sonification for astrophysics.

The tool incorporates user-centered design principles.

Preliminary tests show promising usability and robustness.

Abstract

In the last decade, the multi-sensory approach to data analysis has gained relevance. The possibility of including people with vision difficulties in the field of education and the dissemination of science is part of it. However, in the field of scientific research, the topic is not yet accepted, mainly due to the lack of conclusive evidence related to its robustness and performance, except for a few exceptions. On the other hand, very few of the tools that allow data to be sonifyed are focused on the user or have an interface that allows controlling the sound production process and, at the same time the visualization of data. Of those that meet this requirement and present application in the field of astronomy and astrophysics, only four have included people with visual disabilities in the design and only two of them have carried out tests with users in Focus Groups during its development. This work details the characteristics of sonoUno, with its end-user-focused design, its capabilities in specific use cases in astrophysical data analysis related to spectroscopy and photometry, following the basic software functionalities while also introducing some innovation.