Blind, visually impaired to experience total solar eclipse through new technology

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While millions are getting ready to watch the total solar eclipse next week, those who are blind or visually impaired will still be able to hear and feel the celestial event.

LightSound boxes were created for the blind to be able to experience the 2017 eclipse.

The sound and touch devices use a technique called sonification, which converts light intensity into sound.

When the sun is bright, there will be high, delicate flute notes. As the moon begins to cover the sun, the mid-range notes are those of a clarinet. Darkness is rendered by a low clicking sound.

"You know, we have a lot of different senses and different ways of enjoying different experiences, and just because it's different doesn't mean that it's not worthwhile," said Minh Ha, technology manager at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts.

A prototype was first used during the 2017 total solar eclipse that crossed the U.S., and the handheld device has been used to view other eclipses.

This year, they are working with other institutions with the goal of distributing at least 750 devices to locations hosting eclipse events in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. They held workshops at universities and museums to construct the devices, and provide DIY instructions on the group's website.

In Louisville, the McDowell Center for the Blind will have them available during the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Others will experience the solar event through the sense of touch, with the Cadence tablet from Indiana's Tactile Engineering. The tablet is about the size of a cellphone with rows of dots that pop up and down. It can be used for a variety of purposes: reading Braille, feeling graphics and movie clips, playing video games.

The Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired started incorporating the tablet into its curriculum last year. Some of the school’s students experienced last October’s “ring of fire” eclipse with the tablet.