Spanish researchers have developed a device that converts sunlight into sound to allow visually impaired people to experience a total eclipse today.

This initiative addresses a critical gap in astronomical accessibility. With at least one million people living with visual disabilities in Spain [2], the project seeks to ensure that the sensory experience of a celestial event is not limited to those who can see.

Led by the CSIC Institute of Space Sciences and created by Jorge Rivero González, the "Inclusive Eclipse Project" distributed 120 LightSound devices for free [1, 3]. The project received support from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) [1].

The LightSound technology translates the changing intensity of sunlight into audible frequencies. As the moon obscures the sun, the device modifies the sound, specifically using the tones of a clarinet, to represent the progression of the eclipse [2, 4]. When the eclipse reaches its final phase and the sun is completely blocked, the sound disappears entirely [2].

"We have created a project so that people with visual disabilities can follow the eclipse thanks to the sound of a clarinet," Rivero said [2].

The deployment of these devices coincides with the total eclipse visible across Spain on Aug. 12 [3, 5]. The goal is to provide an alternative sensory experience that allows users to track the timing and depth of the event in real time.

"With this device, blind people will be able to 'hear' the eclipse," Rivero González said [5].

While some reports mention similar efforts by Harvard University [5], the Spanish initiative is specifically driven by the CSIC to serve the local population during this specific astronomical window.

“"With this device, blind people will be able to 'hear' the eclipse."”

The LightSound project represents a shift toward multisensory science communication. By converting electromagnetic data (light) into acoustic data (sound), the CSIC is applying assistive technology to astronomy, moving beyond traditional descriptive narration to provide a direct, data-driven experience for the visually impaired.