Use of Sonification for Analysis and Detection of Plasma Bubbles at 21 MHz

This research explores sonification as a useful tool for space science data exploration. Our interest lies in basic scientific analysis of plasmas of the ionosphere, of interplanetary space and of the interstellar medium. These plasmas all contain irregularities. Propagation of electromagnetic waves, like optical or radio waves, through a medium with random fluctuations in refractive index results in amplitude and phase fluctuations (Scheuer 1968). These variations may be displayed via sonification, using changes in sounds to represent the data variations. This is particularly useful extending science to the visually-impaired. The xSonify Java-based tool was developed to explore sonification techniques and its value for general science analysis and also assistive technology