Tycho is an interactive object that mimics the shape and behaviour of the James Webb Space Telescope by capturing light with a sensor and transmitting its colour via LEDs to a mirrored hexagonal surface, where it modulates a projection sequence inspired by images of the birth and death of stars.

The piece interacts with its surroundings by surveying the space and capturing light with a sensor at the apex of its antenna-like structure. The light’s colour is then transmitted via LEDs to Tycho’s mirrored hexagonal surface, where it modulates in real-time a projection sequence inspired by images of cosmic nebulae and supernovae.

The delay between the capture and display of colour simulates limitations that govern actual space telescopes, whose images are produced by light that has travelled across light-years of time and space from its originating phenomena. By creating a cycle of sensory input and output, the line between the observer and the observed blurs, and a question emerges: who is the true viewer?

Exhibitions

The project was promoted on the NASA James Webb Space Telescope Facebook page .

Credits

Artistic direction // Thomas Heidtmann

Animation // Jemma Woolmore

LED/Software // Soma Holiday