Ideas worth spreading

What does the universe sound like? A musical tour

1,792,919 views | Matt Russo • TEDxUofT

Is outer space really the silent and lifeless place it's often depicted to be? Perhaps not. Astrophysicist and musician Matt Russo takes us on a journey through the cosmos, revealing the hidden rhythms and harmonies of planetary orbits. The universe is full of music, he says -- we just need to learn how to hear it.

Is outer space really the silent and lifeless place it's often depicted to be? Perhaps not. Astrophysicist and musician Matt Russo takes us on a journey through the cosmos, revealing the hidden rhythms and harmonies of planetary orbits. The universe is full of music, he says -- we just need to learn how to hear it.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUofT, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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Listen to more sounds and music created with astronomical data.

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About the speaker

Astrophysicist, musician

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Matt Russo is an astrophysicist and musician who translates the rhythm and harmony of the cosmos into music and sound.

Dan Tepfer | Explore

"The TRAPPIST-1 System: Listening to Planetary Orbits"

A deeper dive into how the dance of the TRAPPIST-1 planets can be heard as musical rhythms and harmonies. Listen to the audio examples and learn how listening to planetary orbits is a little like cauliflower gratin.

Stephon Alexander | Explore

"The Jazz of Physics"

An accessible introduction to the many parallels between music and physics, from quantum waves to the sound of the big bang. Although often focused on analogies, the chapter on Pythagoras and Kepler's Music of the Spheres beautifully exposes the real musicality in our universe that goes far beyond metaphor.

Thomas Hermann, Andy Hunt, John G. Neuhoff (eds) | Book

The Sonification Handbook

A more formal guide for people interested in converting data into sound and includes a fascinating chapter on how the human auditory system converts vibrations in air into the perception of sound.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUofT, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Listen to more sounds and music created with astronomical data.

Donate to the CNIB Foundation to empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion.