The Mequation: An Art–Science Collaboration Connecting Exoplanet Research and Human Experience

The Mequation is an art–science collaboration between astrophysicist Yamila Miguel and artist Thijs Biersteker that explores different ways of communicating astrophysics and exoplanet science to the public through immersive installations. The project combines scientific concepts related to exoplanets, habitability and biodiversity with interactive digital art to create a personalized experience for visitors.
The installation consists of a 1.5-meter circular mirror made of analog flip-board displays. Using sensors and real-time data streams, the artwork calculates a continuously updated “probability of existence” for each visitor based on a custom equation inspired by the Drake equation and developed specifically for the project. The calculation incorporates astrophysical quantities such as the number of galaxies, stars, stars that can host habitable planets and potentially habitable planets, together with demographic and biological factors linked to human individuality and presence in a specific place and moment.
In this contribution we will discuss the construction of the Mequation and its meaning, the development of the collaboration, including the process of translating scientific ideas into an interactive artistic experience, the challenges of combining scientific rigor with public engagement, and the role of real-time data in the installation. We will also present first experiences from public exhibitions and discuss initial audience reactions and engagement with the work.
The Mequation aims to explore how immersive art can provide alternative pathways for science communication, particularly for topics such as exoplanets and the search for life in the Universe, where the scales and concepts involved are often difficult to communicate through traditional outreach approaches alone.