Touching the Cosmos. Modular representations of the Universe for multisensory learning.

This project builds upon the experience of the multisensory planetarium, expanding its principles into a new, modular, and replicable format: multisensory tablets representing various celestial objects. These devices are designed to make astronomical data — such as stellar brightness and spatial arrangement — accessible and engaging for all users, including sighted, deaf, blind, and visually impaired individuals.
The tablets translate scientific parameters into coordinated sensory outputs. Apparent magnitude is represented through LED brightness, sound frequency and/or volume, and tactile elements such as bolts and threads or wire. The spatial layout of the stars within a constellation is physically reproduced, allowing users to navigate the structure through touch. The constellation of Cassiopeia , for examples, was chosen as the initial model due to its recognizability and diversity of stellar properties.
Each tablet is built using an Arduino Uno board and capacitive touch sensors. When a star is touched, the system activates the corresponding visual and acoustic stimuli, offering a multisensory experience that reinforces understanding. The design is modular, allowing users to construct their own representations and choose how to map data to stimuli. This autonomy fosters creativity, personal engagement, and deeper cognitive processing.
The project was implemented through teacher training workshops, where participants built their own constellation tablets, explored inclusive strategies for science communication and exoerienced Universal Design. The activity also introduced basic electronics and coding, making it suitable for educational environments and adaptable to different age groups and learning contexts.
One of the key outcomes of the project is the realization that multisensory tools are not only inclusive but also pedagogically effective. Sighted users benefit from the multisensory approach as it helps clarify abstract concepts, such as the difference between apparent and absolute brightness or the spatial distribution of stars. The use of multiple sensory channels supports diverse learning styles and enhances retention and comprehension.
By enabling users to build and personalize their own constellation models, the project transforms passive observation into active exploration. It encourages a shift from one-size-fits-all communication to a flexible, user-driven experience that respects individual needs and preferences. In doing so, it redefines how astronomy can be shared with the public—not just as a visual spectacle, but as a multisensory journey through data, perception, and imagination.