Supernova Sonata - Music of the (Exploding) Spheres

"The video shows each [supernova Type Ia] blast in chronological order, with each second of video corresponding to roughly two weeks of real time." - Alasdair Wilkins


Supernova Sonata - Music of the (Exploding) Spheres (Via.)

Each supernova is assigned a note to be played:

Volume = Distance: The volume of the note is determined by the distance to the supernova, with more distant supernova being quieter and fainter.

Pitch = "Stretch:" The pitch of the note was determined by the supernova's "stretch," a property of how the supernova brightens and fades. Higher stretch values played higher notes. The pitches were drawn from a Phrygian dominant scale.

Instrument = Mass of Host Galaxy: The instrument the note was played on was determined by the properties of the galaxy which hosted each supernova. Supernovae hosted by massive galaxies are played with a stand-up bass, while supernovae hosted by less massive galaxies are played with a grand piano.

Note that the brightness of the supernovae as shown in the animation are not to scale. Because they are so distant, even these extremely powerful explosions appear very faint upon reaching us here on Earth.

(Via.)

Supernova Sonata - Music of the (Exploding) Spheres