Hear the Sun's roar

Bad AstronomyBy Phil PlaitMar 29, 2012 8:00 PM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

I love it when people take electromagnetic phenomena (like aurorae) and convert them to sounds. Light and sound are very similar from a physics standpoint -- both are waves, though very different kinds of waves. Still, if you take the wavelength (color) and amplitude (intensity) of light, you can convert them mathematically to pitch and volume of sound. It's not telling you anything physical or real, but it might give you insight into some phenomena... or it might just be cool, like this video which translates the March 7, 2012 solar storm into sound for your listening pleasure.

[embed width="610"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-saaAyaW0c[/embed]

Nifty, isn't it? And the big storm sounds like a lion's roar, which is appropriate, at least. If you want more insight into this, Emily Lakdawalla posted about it

, as did Universe Today

. And check out the Related Posts below for links to more things like this.


Related Posts: - Listen in on the Perseid meteor shower - Saturn, the Forbidden Planet - Phoenix sings - Laying down the pulsar beat

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.