Getting Started
This application visualizes and sonifies 294 pulsars from the Fermi LAT 3rd Pulsar Catalog. Each pulsar is positioned in 3D space and triggers MIDI notes at its rotation period.
Use the eye icon to switch off the visuals and enjoy the sound without distractions!
Audio Output Modes
- None: No audio. No MIDI. Just lovely visuals
- External MIDI: Routes to hardware synths or DAWs
- Internal Synth: Uses built-in browser audio (no external gear needed)
Note Modes
- Sequential: 16 random pulsars rotate every 2 seconds. Uses MIDI channels 1-16.
- Layering: 16 pulsars play together with staggered starts. Uses MIDI channels 1-16.
Keyboard Shortcuts
h - Hide/show control panelv - Toggle visuals on/off (audio continues)t - Toggle vectors on/off↑ - Zoom in↓ - Zoom outESC - Close this help panel
Mouse Controls
- Mouse Wheel: Scroll to zoom in/out
- Click on Pulsar: Queue a pulsar to play next (in Sequential mode) or start immediately (in Layering mode)