About This Article
The NASA Universe of Learning program’s Accessible Learning Resources team, drawing upon expertise and software written by blind observational astronomer Dr. Nic Bonne, developed capabilities for and created a new series of 3D printable tactile plates. This project scales up the previous 3D model project co-created with Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI) audiences. It expedites the process of producing tactile materials using a relief map technique to provide sustained and rapid-response accessibility for NASA astrophysics image releases, and respond to BVI feedback from the National Federation of the Blind evaluation for more 3D prints. The team successfully tested products with BVI users and developed six 3D printable plates for recently released astrophysics images of Sagittarius A*, the Galactic Center, SNR G292, and quasar H1821+643. The individual files for the plates can be downloaded and 3D-printed for learners to touch: https://chandra.si.edu/tactile/3d_plates.html
Credits
Contributors and Developers: Dr. Nic Bonne, blind observational astronomer (UK); Dr. Kimberly Arcand, CXC visualization scientist, and April Jubett, CXC 3D modeling/printing expert