THE LIFE OF STARS
A Virtual Astronomy Experience
The first data-driven augmented reality series.
Using historical 3D data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray observatory, THE LIFE OF STARS connects us with the extraordinary story of stellar evolution through an experience transcending time and space.
We are star stuff.
This is the story of us, shared in a series of episodic product releases and told through the lens of the stars we explore and the Universe in which we live. "We are star stuff," as Carl Sagan said in his landmark series Cosmos, "We are a way for the universe to know itself."
Our application includes a library of individual and unique story-driven explorations, with the choice of a self-guided tour or one hosted by a hologram of our host, Dr. Kim Arcand.
This will include an interactive sliding stellar timeline allowing the viewer to witness the entire evolution of a star, over billions of years, for the very first time in XR – from a giant cloud of dust and gas to a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
In order to do this, we are using Unreal Engine to create a procedural system that allows us to add data, configure the appropriate physics and visual parameters, and generate a dynamic, physically based rendering (PBR)-based animation that spans the lifetime of the celestial object.
Video produced for each episode will allow us to produce streaming content in longer format, i.e. a docu-series, with greater efficiency and at reduced cost. By repurposing our program in alternative media, we can build awareness, interest, and support for an 'interstellar atlas.'
It is our intention that this work be shareable and widely shared both in formal outputs and through the research and development aspect of creating such an architecture. Our NASA 3D assets, which are public domain, will be applied in this app through principles of universal design to help serve, benefit, and include members of a number of underserved communities in emerging technologies, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or low vision.
THE LIFE OF STARS vision is to benefit the EdTech community, particularly in museums, science centers, libraries, planetariums, schools, universities, and beyond. We have had positive discussions with NASA’s Museum Alliance to help respond the the needs of such communities.
The NASA data assets and procedural star generator developed in the Unreal Engine pipeline will be made available as public domain assets for the community and shared as a free download in the Unreal Engine Marketplace.
Hosted by Dr. Kim Arcand
Dr. Kim Arcand is the Visualization Lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has its headquarters at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Kim has led numerous public science initiatives bringing astronomy, physics, optics, photonics, and planetary science to non-traditional spaces reaching an audience of millions since 2009.
We are grateful for the data and development support of these partners. More information is available on the NASA/Chandra website: chandra.si.edu/lifeofstars
Support this Project
Help us inspire the next generation of explorers and pioneers.
In a world that increasingly values innovation and experiential learning, we are proud to present an opportunity that combines both in the form of a pioneering augmented reality science series.
This project offers an immersive platform to reach a global audience, stimulate curiosity, and promote scientific discovery.
By choosing to support THE LIFE OF STARS, your organization will stand at the forefront of technology, education, and media, demonstrating not only your commitment to educational excellence, but also your belief in fostering a scientifically literate society. As an interstellar corporate sponsor, you will benefit from extensive visibility and engagement with a broad, diverse, and enthusiastic audience that values lifelong learning.