Aesthetics and astronomy: Studying the public's perception and understanding of imagery from space
Smith, Lisa F; Smith, Jeffrey K; Arcand, Kimberly K; Smith, Randall K; Bookbinder, Jay; Keach, Kelly
Cite this item:
Smith, L.F., Smith, J.K., Arcand, K.K., Smith, R.K., Bookbinder, J., & Keach, K. (2011). Aesthetics and astronomy: Studying the public’s perception and understanding of non-traditional imagery from space, Science Communication, 33, 201-238. DOI 10.1177/1075547010379579.
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/6961
Abstract:
This study examined the scientific understanding of astronomical pictures by experts and non-experts. It explored how both groups perceive astronomical images, and their understanding of both what they are seeing and the science that underlies the images. Data comprised n = 8866 responses from a survey linked to the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day web site and 4 focus groups held at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Results indicated that variations in presentation of color, explanation, and scale affect comprehension of astronomical imagery. With those who are more expert, shorter, more technical explanations are effective; however, scales are still necessary for complete comprehension. Experts tend to look at the images from a more scientific, data-oriented perspective while non-experts are more likely to focus, especially initially, on the aesthetic or emotional values of the images. Results provide suggestions for educational outreach to the public.
Date:
2011
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Pages:
201-238
ISSN:
1075-5470,
Rights Statement:
Smith, L.F., Smith, J.K., Arcand, K.K, Smith, R.K., Bookbinder, J., & Keach, K. (2011). Aesthetics and astronomy: Studying the public’s perception and understanding of non-traditional imagery from space, Science Communication, 33, 201-238. DOI 10.1177/1075547010379579. NOTE: This manuscript was preprinted in Online First at http://scx.sagepub.com/content/early/recent and in Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics at http://arxiv.org/abs/1009.0772
Keywords:
Expert/novice differences; Deep space imagery; Educational outreach
Research Type:
Journal Article
Languages:
English
Notes:
NOTE: This manuscript was preprinted in Online First at http://scx.sagepub.com/content/early/recent and in Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics at http://arxiv.org/abs/1009.0772
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