Overlaid below is a radio-image taken by ALMA. In the ‘image’ in this case, each pixel is actually represents a spectrum of frequencies across the electromagnetic radio spectrum: the ‘image’ is actually a data-cube.

We have transformed this data-cube in two ways.

Firstly, so you can see it on the overlay, we’ve transformed the radio frequencies into visible colours, so you can see a slice of the cube.

Secondly, we’ve transformed the e-m spectrum into an acoustic spectrum. Remember light≠sound: what we are doing is translating the frequency of e-m radiation (‘light’) into a frequency of pressure wave (sound).

Below is the data cube on its own in a playable format: to view & listen, wait a moment (20-30 seconds) while the player below loads. NB: works best on Chrome or Firefox, not IE or Safari.

By clicking the image and moving your cursor around you can “play” a spectrum of the colliding galaxies. Underneath, you can see a visual representation of the frequency spectrum. Spend some time moving slowly around the red(redshifted) areas – there is a surprising richness to the harmonics for such a simple sonification.

Note: this loads a 8MB data-cube before displaying … it could take between 20 seconds to several minutes to appear if you are on a slow connection: but note it did take these photons 70 million years to reach us, so please be patient while they go the last few bit-miles!

If that doesn’t work, here’s a short video of it in action (make sure subtitles are switched on in your youtube player to see a description)

Sources: HST image, National Geographic, WIRED