A multi-sensory journey to a black hole by Dr Chris Harrison

INSIGHTS Public Lecture: A multi-sensory journey to a black hole: Using sound to enhance data exploration, accessibility, and immersive education by Dr Chris Harrison
The Universe is almost entirely invisible to the naked eye, yet we are only ever presented with astronomical data through visual representations. Taking us on a journey of astronomical objects from stars to supermassive black holes, this lecture will demonstrate how sound can provide an alternative method of exploring and communicating data and for making astronomy more accessible.

Biography

Dr Chris Harrison has spent 14 years studying supermassive black holes and how they influence the life of galaxies. His research group utilises astronomical observatories from all over the world (and in Space!) and sophisticated computer simulations to explore the complex interplay between black hole growth and galaxy growth. He worked as a research fellow at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Munich, Germany, before moving to Newcastle University, where he is currently head of the Astrophysics and Observational Cosmology group.

In addition to his astrophysics research, Dr Harrison has always been passionate about making science for everyone. He has worked at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh’s Visitor Centre and the ESO Supernova Planetarium. He has led multiple engagement projects, which have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. However, five years ago, he had the realisation that exclusively presenting astronomy visually, not only excludes anyone who needs, or prefers, non-visual methods of communication -it also underutilised our human’s multi-sensory abilities.

Building on his childhood love of music, what followed was an unexpected journey of turning astronomical data into sound - the process of sonification. He now co-leads the Audio Universe project, which is a multi-disciplinary team who are researching sonification methods to explore complex datasets, to creative immersive educational experiences, and to make astronomy more accessible. The project has had outputs that have been presented around the world, and has won awards for both open research practices, and innovative engagement with the public.

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Ticket Information

• Click on the 'Reserve a spot' button and add your name and contact details to the short form.
• This event will be held in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building at Newcastle University (NE1 7RU).
• We operate a paperless ticketing system, so you do not need to print your tickets. Just give your name at the door.
• To avoid crowding, audience members are asked to arrive for events no earlier than 15 minutes before the advertised start time.
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Venue Details and Accessibility

• The Herschel Building is located a 3-minute walk from Haymarket Metro Station and Bus Station, and is easily accessible by Public Transport.
• The Curtis Auditorium is a tiered lecture theatre and has 8 designated spaces for wheelchair users, with flat-level access. There is also a hearing loop system and an accessible toilet nearby.
• Please contact us if you or a guest will be accompanied by an assistance dog. We’ll make sure the dog can sit with you comfortably.

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