Sonifigrapher. Sonified Light Curve Synthesizer

Abstract

In an attempt to contribute to the constant feedback existing between science and music, this work describes the design strategies used in the development of the virtual synthesizer prototype called Sonifigrapher. Trying to achieve new ways of creating experimental music through the exploration of exoplanet data sonifications, this software provides an easy-to-use graph-to-sound quadraphonic converter, designed for the sonification of the light curves from NASA’s publicly-available exoplanet archive. Based on some features of the first analog tape recorder samplers, the prototype allows end-users to load a light curve from the archive and create controlled audio spectra making use of additive synthesis sonification. It is expected to be useful in creative, educational and informational contexts as part of an experimental and interdisciplinary development project for sonification tools, oriented to both non-specialized and specialized audiences.