This track invites you to listen to the Sun’s changing activity over the past three years—captured by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission. Through a unique blend of visuals and sound, experience the growing number and intensity of solar flares as the Sun nears the peak of its 11-year cycle.
This sonification combines data from Solar Orbiter’s instruments: the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), which captures the glowing outer solar atmosphere, and STIX, which detects solar flares in X-rays. The Sun’s distance from the spacecraft is reflected in the low hum you’ll hear—growing louder as the probe draws near and softer as it moves away.
Flares are marked by metallic clinks, each one shaped by the strength of the event—bigger, more energetic bursts ring sharper and brighter. Blue circles in the accompanying visuals mark the flares’ size and location.
Crafted by Klaus Nielsen (DTU Space / Maple Pools), this sonification transforms solar science into an immersive listening experience.
Solar Orbiter is a mission of international collaboration between ESA and NASA, operated by ESA.
Credit: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI & STIX, Klaus Nielsen (DTU Space/Maple Pools)
Acknowledgements: Data processing for video by Laura Hayes