TOLEDO, Ohio —
Millions of people will be looking to the sky next week to get a glimpse of the total solar eclipse. For those who are visually impaired, there are still options to make the eclipse inclusive.
The LightSound device, developed in 2017, converts light into audible tones that change based on the intensity of light. The device was created by astronomers Wanda Díaz-Merced and Allyson Bieryla. Díaz-Merced is blind.
"That will allow the intensity of light to be converted into a sound that can be heard," executive director of The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio Tim Tegge said. "As the light increases or decreases as the eclipse is happening, the sound will change. It'll get deeper and then as the light increases again after the eclipse, the tone of that sound will increase."
The devices will be distributed at different state parks throughout Ohio. Maumee Bay State Park will have devices available.
"It's neat to have that kind of community experience where the sound can be amplified in a park or a stadium or something like that so that more people can experience what that sounds like to have an eclipse," Tegge said.
An app called Eclipse Soundscapes is also available for use. The app features a "rumble map" which gives off vibrations to show the physical qualities of the eclipse. Tegge said the developers of the app have partnered with the National Federation for the Blind.
There are other ways to think about visually impaired people viewing the eclipse, program director at The Sight Center Dani Moran said.
"Ask a person that they might know who's visually impaired to join them and be willing to describe it or make sure that person can go with them to get to the state park," Moran said.
Tegge said the eclipse is an opportunity for people to give their eyes a break and tune in to their other senses. What sounds are the animals making? Is there a shift in the temperature? What else is going on around you?
"Sometimes, when we take our eyes out of the mix, it makes it a little easier to do that," Tegge said.
If people still need eclipse glasses, The Sight Center is selling them for $5. All of the money will go back to the center, and help it be able to provide items, like magnifiers, to people in need.
The center is located at 1002 Garden Lake Pkwy. and is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.