Polyrhythmic Harmonies from the Sky: Transforming Satellite Images of Clouds into Musical Compositions through Algorithms

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel algorithm that converts satellite images of clouds into musical compositions, aiming to enhance scientific dissemination and artistic expression through sonification.

Contribution

It presents a new method for transforming satellite imagery into music, bridging scientific visualization and auditory art for broader engagement.

Findings

Created a generative system for sonifying satellite images

Produced musical compositions from cloud satellite data

Enhanced scientific literacy through artistic expression

Abstract

In a context of increasing scientific specialization and deficiencies in the scientific literacy of the population, there arises a need to broaden the methods of scientific dissemination. This study proposes an approach that combines music with scientific concepts, focusing on the sonification of satellite images as the core. A generative musical composition system is developed that uses visual data to create accessible and emotional auditory experiences, thus enriching the fields of scientific dissemination and artistic expression. It concludes with an example of the algorithm's use in a musical composition.