T258 Planetary Exploration and Education: How We Learn about Our Solar System and Beyond

Wednesday, 12 October 2022
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
501

OPENSPACE: VISUAL LEARNING FOR PLANETARY AND SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION

Paper number: T258-7
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:05 PM

Authors

Abstract

OpenSpace [1] is an open-source interactive data visualization software designed to visualize the entire known universe, now in release Beta-11 (0.18.0). It supports live presentation of dynamic data from observations to mission planning and operations, and outcrop level visualization on extraterrestrial bodies. It works on multiple operating systems with an extensible architecture powering high-res tiled displays (e.g., multiprojector digital domes and power walls) and 4K-8K flat-screens. OpenSpace enables simultaneous connections for shared presentations among audiences worldwide, and expert users can also integrate their own datasets for sharing with the OpenSpace community.

OpenSpace has supported 100s of interns at partnering institutions, who learn STEM skills and content [1], enabling student involvement in developing visual renderings and producing interactive tours of the universe. Work has been shared via public programs at the AMNH and partner informal science institutions (ISIs) and universities, many on the website [1] and YouTube [2].

Recent developments: Many new planetary data layers for Mars, Moon and Mercury and for Earth via NOAA's "Science on a Sphere"; SkyBrowsing with AAS-WWT; visualization of CMEs with field lines; visualizations of JWST, Phobos and Deimos. New tools: Enhanced camera controls, improved launcher and interface, improved documentation [3].

OpenSpace is particularly effective as a science communication tool, as it can be used to explore questions about celestial phenomena at all scales with compelling visuals. It enables virtual exploration of Moon, Mars and Earth using the most recent, highest resolution data (e.g., lunar LROC WAC 100m and Kaguya 7m) and NASA TREKs layers. This allows in-classroom or virtual explanation of cratering and crustal processes, planetary morphology, and landscape evolution by students and instructors alike [4], as we will demonstrate.

[1] http://openspaceproject.com/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/c/openspacesoftware

[3] http://wiki.openspaceproject.com/

[4] Gemma et al. https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2021/pdf/2206.pdf

Acknowledgments: OpenSpace is one of 33 projects supported by the NASA Science Mission Directorate in response to NASA Cooperative Agreement Number (CAN) NNH15ZDA004C, Amendment 1.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 54, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-381804

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