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JWST ERO Image of NGC7318 A and B, part of Stephan's Quintet

(see Gallery 3 for Early Release Observations and a link to more data)


JWST NGC7318A_B with NIRCAM and MIRI and 3D print

Galaxy 1566 and 3D print  

(See Gallery 2 for Galaxy prints)

NGC1566 HST image and 3D print

Star Clusters

(see Gallery 1)

Imagine being able to visit and fly through a star cluster such as NGC602 shown here. (It would take quite some time! It is 90 light years across!) Or hold a spiral galaxy in your hand. Our 3D printing process allows anyone to explore tactile representations of astronomical objects to better appreciate their nature and complexity. Our new custom process provides a way for everyone, especially individuals whoare blind or visually impaired, to "touch the universe" and explore its complex and intriguing nature.

Shortcut to How to Print

  • The Career Exploration Lab

    Initiated in 2017, several of us from the 3D print STEM community are conducting a pilot program called the Career Exploration Lab and the 3D Astronomy Team is an integral part of these summer camp activities. We introduce science, astronomy, 3D printing technology and career opportunies for the students in a week long intensive (with some fun afternoons too!). We have held camps in South Carolina and Michigan, in 2017, 2018, 2019 and planned for 2020, but our momentum was curtailed by COVID-19. Our NSF proposal was awarded. We conduct Educator Partner Institutes for those who teach students with Blindness and VIsual Impairement (B/VI). Then we, in concert with those educators, conduct summer camps for students to focus on STEM principles, using 3D astronomy and other assistive technology, based on astronomy research. We also introduce the students to Career possibilities and avenues for future pursui.
  • Updates
    Check the link for updates and publications, e.g.,
    Touchable Astronomy: Exploring STEM Careers For The Visually Impaired, C. Christian, T. Madura , D. Hurd , W. Diaz-Merced , and K. Silberman, 2017, 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Adelaide Australia And more
  • (Historical) The original 3D Astronomy Press Release from STScI. From STScI: first results of our 3D Astronomy project.
  • Seen at the AAS We presented our project at the American Astronomical Society in Washington DC, January 6-9 2014. Our poster is available for download here under Publications.