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In case you weren't aware, the annular solar eclipse took place on December 26, 2019.

People from around the world were able to witness the phenomenon which some have dubbed the "ring of fire" and "ring of light".

The third solar eclipse for the year was also the most dangerous. Watching the close to four-hour long eclipse without any protection for the eyes can lead to total blindness.

But that didn't stop many experiencing the eclipse for themselves with some purchasing solar eclipse glasses while others using clever cost effective methods.

However, these 31 blind individuals were given an experience of a lifetime. They got to "listen" to the annular solar eclipse - a first in Malaysia.

They were members of the Penang Branch of the Society for the Blind Malaysia and St Nicholas Home.

Tech Dome Penang Chief Executive Officer Khong Yoon Loong, who spoke to Malay Mail Online, said LightSound 2.0, a device capable of converting sun light into high-pitch sound, was used to give the blind individuals an unforgettable experience.

The sound will slowly change and go down to a lower pitch as the eclipse happens so the blind can hear the difference in the sounds, he explained.

At the start of the phenomenon, 11.15 am, the LightSound 2.0 began transmitting high pitched sound into the room which the individuals were in.

The sound gradually changed to a low pitch as the eclipse progressed before peaking again.

The LightSound 2.0 was brought from the University of Harvard. Apart from the Tech Dome Penang, it was also placed in Tanjung Piai in Johor and in Serian, Sarawak, to record the annular solar eclipse.

The sounds recorded from all three locations would be compiled to form a unique melody.

For Johari Saad who is blind, "listening" to the annular solar eclipse was a surreal experience.

"It felt as though the space above was singing," the 48-year-old said to Berita Harian.

Johari was not blind when the phenomenon previously occurred on August 28, 1998.

"That time I was still a kid with good vision. This program takes me back to my childhood and I'm extremely thankful to the people who made the LightSound 2.0. I understand the phenomenon better through it."

Meanwhile, S Bumah Devi said she was thrilled when she could tell the difference of frequency when the eclipse happened.

"This is the first time I'm listening to the sound of sun light absorbed to be turned into sound. Exciting stuff," the 48-year-old said.

The next annular solar eclipse will take place on May 21 in 2031. Mark your calendars!

Cover image supplied by Kaveenesh Sagar / Tech Dome Penang.

Link:
These blind Malaysians experienced the annular solar eclipse through their ears. Wait, how? - Mashable SE Asia

This entry was posted on December 30, 2019 at 4:08 am and is filed under Blindness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |