Augmented Reality Projects
Chandra Augmented Reality (AR) Gallery.
Click the images below to launch them in AR for your smartphone or other AR-enabled device. More information on the objects and credit for the scientific 3D models can be found on our VR page. This AR project was created under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Arcand, NASA/CXC/SAO, with Tom Sgouros and Alexander Dupuis of Brown University.
The Cat’s Eye Nebula was created with data from Ryan Clairmont, a high school student from Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, won the “First Award” in Physics & Astronomy for the International Science and Engineering Fair with his submission “Evolution of the Cat’s Eye Nebula revealed through morpho-kinematic and hydrodynamical modelling”.
Additional AR works highlighting data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Cassiopeia A(R)
One of the most famous objects in the sky, the Cassiopeia A (Cas A) supernova remnant, can be
seen like never before. A three-dimensional augmented reality (AR) application of the 3D data
allows you to view the debris from a massive stellar explosion, select the layers of the supernova
remnant to engage with, and zoom in or rotate it.
Cassiopeia A(R) is a volumetric visualization of the Cassiopeia A supernova. This application is an experiment in spatial visualization and interaction. The participant uses voice and hands to explore the composition of the supernova, and help “build” the remnant. This new visualization takes advantage of AR technology to bring the model to your home or office.
Credits:
The AR application was adapted by Glowbox under the direction of Kimberly Arcand of
CXC/SAO.
Format:
Download the free app for the Microsoft Hololens at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/cassiopeia-a-r/9nmf1vf1286t?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
Reach Across the Stars AR-Enhanced App: A Universe of Explorers
Virtually "meet" women who have blazed trails in space and related science fields in a new augmented reality-enhanced app released through a collaboration between the Smithsonian and NASA. The project is a free app that can be used on most AR-compatible tablets and smart phones. In some of the app’s journeys, current scientists take viewers into their work environment, recalling favorite career moments as well as challenges and obstacles. Some of the feature stories combine audio interviews, video, 3D environments and 360-degree virtual reality content. Users can explore, for example, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory with astronaut Cady Coleman, tour the Crab Nebula pulsar with astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Mars 2020 rover with Christina Hernandez, an instrument engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Credits:
Kimberly Arcand, principle investigator; visualization scientist, Chandra X-ray Center (CXC)
Sasha Samochina, creative technologist; deputy manager of the Ops Lab, NASA’s JPL
Mandy Mandelstein, filmmaker and technologist
Kristin DiVona, designer (CXC)
Format:
Free augmented reality (AR) app for use on most AR-compatible tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android platforms).
Developed by the Chandra X-ray Center, at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, in Cambridge, MA, with funding by NASA under contract NAS8-03060 | Privacy | Accessibility
Disclaimer: The Chandra X-ray Center does not endorse any commercial product.