Solar Maximum: The Journey of Art and Science

Welcome to Solar Maximum, an upcoming exhibition that explores the profound effects of space weather on Earth. This project has been a journey of discovery, creativity, and collaboration. I’m excited to share the process behind the creation of this exhibition, from its unexpected origins during the COVID lockdown to its current planning stages.

The Spark of Inspiration

The idea for Solar Maximum began unexpectedly during the COVID lockdown in 2020. One afternoon, after spending some time outdoors, I became sunburned, which sparked an interest in the sun’s behaviour. I began thinking about the bigger picture—what exactly happens to the sun?

What began as a simple curiosity quickly led me to dive deeper into Helioscience—the study of the sun. I discovered that the sun is far from a static object; it undergoes cycles of activity that have a profound impact on Earth. From solar flares to sunspots and coronal mass ejections, the sun’s activity can affect everything from Earth’s magnetosphere to our communication systems and power grids.

As I researched more, I became fascinated by solar cycles—the 11-year rhythm the sun follows, moving from periods of low activity (solar minimum) to periods of high activity (solar maximum). I learned that we are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2019 and is expected to peak around 2025. These cycles influence space weather, which disrupts satellites, power grids, and communications on Earth. This complex, dynamic relationship between the sun and Earth became the exhibition theme.

Collaborating with Experts

I sought out experts in the field of solar science to create a scientific foundation for the exhibition. Simon Tang, a solar astronomer known as The Stupid Astronomer on Instagram, was one of the first people I reached out to. Simon captures stunning images of the sun using his specialized telescope at home. His ability to blend scientific precision with artistic beauty in these images made his work a perfect fit for the exhibition.

I was fortunate to connect with W. Dean Pesnell, Project Scientist for NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). After reaching out to Simon, I eventually contacted Dean, whose expertise in solar processes, particularly solar behaviour during its cycles, was invaluable. Dean’s ability to explain complex solar phenomena in accessible terms gave me the scientific foundation to develop the exhibition.

Translating Science into Art

With a solid understanding of solar science, I began thinking about translating these scientific concepts into art. I wanted the exhibition to be both visually compelling and educational, something that could engage a wide audience. To do this, I decided to use a 3D pen and biodegradable PLA filament to create sculptures inspired by the images captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), specifically its Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) imager. The AIA provides high-resolution solar images, showcasing its dynamic processes such as solar flares, sunspots, and filaments. These breathtaking images have influenced the design of my sculptures, allowing me to bring solar phenomena to life in a tactile and interactive way.

Creating these sculptures has been a challenging but rewarding process. I’ve spent hours experimenting with different shapes, textures, and designs, trying to capture the complexity and ever-changing nature of the sun’s surface. The biodegradable PLA filament allows me to create eco-friendly structures and connects the exhibition to environmental themes. It’s important for me that the exhibition reflects both the science of the sun and our responsibility toward protecting the planet.

In addition to the sculptures, I wanted to make the exhibition accessible to younger audiences. To help make the science of space weather engaging for children, I’ve collaborated with local tattoo artists James Bannan and Mikey Morgan. Their bold and energetic art style has brought solar science to life. Together, we’re creating an activity book that introduces younger visitors to themes of solar cycles, sunspots, and the impact of solar activity on Earth. It’s designed to be a fun and interactive way to make science feel approachable for all ages.

The Planning Process

Planning the exhibition has been a detailed and intricate process. I’ve had to carefully consider how I integrate my sculptures alongside Simon’s stunning solar images. The exhibition has to be, informative and visually stimulating. One of the main challenges has been balancing scientific accuracy with artistic expression. I want to represent the sun’s behaviour accurately, while ensuring the exhibition is engaging and accessible to a broad audience, not just those familiar with the science.

Another important consideration has been interactivity. I want visitors to feel personally connected to the science of the sun. To achieve this, QR codes will be incorporated throughout the exhibition space. These codes will link to real-time solar images from NASA’s SDO, allowing visitors to observe solar activity in real-time and explore the dynamic nature of space weather. This feature will make the exhibition feel alive and constantly evolving, like the sun.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to the opening of Solar Maximum, I am filled with excitement. This exhibition is still in its planning stages, but the process has been rewarding. It has evolved from a simple curiosity about the sun into a full exploration of helioscience and the impact of solar cycles on Earth. Combining my passion for art with a deeper understanding of solar science has been a fulfilling experience, and I hope it will spark curiosity in others.

The sun plays a crucial role in everything from satellite communications to the health of our planet’s atmosphere. I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the sun’s influence on our world. Understanding space weather and solar cycles is more important than ever as we navigate our reliance on technology and work to protect our planet from the sun’s more extreme events.

I can’t wait for you to experience Solar Maximum and join me on this journey into art and science. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the exhibition’s opening. Thank you for being part of this exciting adventure!