New Perspectives on Visual Representation

In expanding the boundaries of visual representation, exoplanet astronomers are creating a unique visual culture. As Bruno Latour suggests, this practice "redefines both what it means to see and what is worthy of our gaze."

Messeri notes that exoplanet astronomy relies on telescopic data, analyzing the brightness or color variations of stars over time to extract evidence of orbiting exoplanets. She describes the initial stages of data collection and analysis as 'seeing with the system.'

Following this, astronomers engage in more complex analytical methods, often employing imaginative speculation to deduce the characteristics of the observed planets, a process Messeri refers to as 'seeing beyond the signal.'

Lastly, we articulate our observations through both written and spoken language. This form of observation, termed 'seeing through language' by Messeri, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding.

Exploring the System

Messeri emphasizes the necessity of comprehending the entire system (star, satellite, Earth) as a framework for interpreting data accurately.

Telescopes serve as vital instruments, enabling us to perceive far-off objects that are otherwise beyond our visual reach. As Michael S. Turner states in "New Eyes on the Universe: 400 Years of Physicist Astronomers," "Telescopes and microscopes were the inaugural instruments of science that enhanced our exploration of the physical realm."

Our quest for knowledge is relentless; we continuously strive to unveil what lies beyond our perception. For instance, in exoplanet astronomy, these distant worlds can only be indirectly inferred through their gravitational impact on their stars.

Interestingly, no direct images of exoplanets exist. Instead, astronomers have developed a variety of representations—from light curves to radial velocity graphs—to symbolize these celestial bodies. Seager artfully describes this innovative perception as interpreting "data as art."

Detecting Exoplanets: Methods and Challenges

Exoplanets that transit in front of their stars can be indirectly observed as a decrease in stellar brightness. Time-lapse imaging reveals these periodic dimming patterns as the exoplanet moves across the star.

For those exoplanets that do not transit our line of sight, astronomers focus on the observable "wobble" of stars. Stars following periodic paths likely indicate the presence of an exoplanet orbiting a shared center of mass.

To identify this wobble, astronomers analyze the star's color signature over time. Light collected by the telescope is directed into a spectrograph to determine its component wavelengths. Variations in the color signature are correlated with the star's motion, affected by the Doppler effect.

Astronomers convert spectrograph data into radial velocity measurements through mathematical formulas. If the resulting graph depicts a repeating S-shaped curve, this could signify the gravitational influence of an orbiting exoplanet.

Video Description: This episode from Crash Course delves into the scientific methods that have shaped our understanding of the universe, exploring key historical advancements.

Signal vs. Noise: The Challenge of Data Interpretation

The challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine signals and background noise. The actual signals, which may reflect periodic changes in brightness or spectral characteristics, are often overshadowed by significant noise, such as stellar flux.

To clarify the data, filtering algorithms are employed, reducing noise levels to amplify the signal. The quest to differentiate 'real' data from 'artifacts' is a common challenge across various scientific disciplines.

Messeri articulates, "The potential for artifacts is an almost unavoidable aspect of research that employs specialized techniques to reveal previously 'invisible' theoretical entities in documentary formats."

Both astronomers and neuroscientists face similar hurdles in their data analysis, as they seek faint signals within extensive, noisy datasets.

As visualizations of data are developed, they serve as essential tools for understanding overarching trends. However, these visual representations are often several steps removed from the original "raw data," complicating the understanding of their reliability for those unfamiliar with the underlying processes.

Speculation Beyond the Data

Despite astronomers' aspirations, a substantial gap exists between the light curve and a comprehensive understanding of an exoplanet as a distinct world. Within this gap, astronomers craft 'strange associations' to make these distant planets feel more familiar.

Messeri illustrates how the same data used for detecting an exoplanet is subsequently analyzed to theorize about its attributes. For instance, astronomers might ponder, "What type of atmosphere does this exoplanet possess?" Given the limited data, the possibilities are numerous.

Messeri recounts the experiences of a graduate student, pseudonymously named Jessica, who grapples with the uncertainty of her findings, stating, "There isn't enough information to narrow down the issue." Messeri poses a crucial question: "To what extent can astronomers speculate about a planet beyond the data?"

The Role of Language in Understanding

As Messeri highlights, when astronomers speculate about their subjects, they often draw analogies to familiar planets within our solar system. She notes, "Language games are employed to facilitate the practice of place-making... Language and metaphor serve to visualize the invisible and forge new realities."

While comparisons can enhance understanding, they may also lead to misconceptions that extend beyond what is justifiable by the data.

In a thought-provoking conclusion, Messeri asserts, "Seeing beyond the signal means recognizing the multiplicity of the exoplanet and acknowledging the delicate nature of the studied object; it is about revealing worlds as constructs."

Adopting New Perspectives: A Collective Endeavor

Messeri's anthropological approach prompts reflection on how we come to trust new ways of seeing. How does an individual's novel perspective evolve into a widely accepted viewpoint, transforming perception into a collective understanding rather than an individual cognitive process?

A common theme across the discussed projects is the significance of both learning diverse methods of 'seeing' data and guiding readers of scientific publications to adopt the author's perspective. This process helps integrate students into the community's shared visual practices, even as these practices are continuously evolving.

Messeri notes that new visualizations are more likely to succeed when they resonate with established conventions. She recounts an instance where an astronomer's work was overlooked, explaining, "He recognized that his article faltered because 'ocean planet' was a relatable concept, whereas 'volatile-rich planet' lacked immediate familiarity."

Teaching new ways of seeing is essential, whether through written explanations in research articles or oral mentorship. Messeri emphasizes, "[The undergraduate astronomy students] learned to see with the system, which translated to understanding how to interpret light curves. To perceive a world within a light curve requires trust in the methodologies that produce them."

The Importance of Experience in Learning

Experience plays a critical role in comprehending the value of different approaches. For many, grasping the effectiveness of a particular method is challenging without hands-on analysis of the data. For those not actively involved in exoplanet research, trust is often placed in the expertise of those who are, relying on the consensus within the exoplanet astronomy community.

Insights for Effective Science Communication

Messeri's research offers several insights applicable to science communication, a process of sharing observations through language. First, consider 'seeing with the system' and 'seeing beyond the signal.' Reflect on the components of the system being studied and the assumptions inherent in your analysis. Be explicit about the boundaries of your speculation in research conclusions.

Next, envision your explanations as a means of indoctrinating readers or trainees into a new perspective. It is easy to overlook the details, especially concerning the rationale behind transitions from raw data to polished visualizations. These details are vital for instilling confidence in your conclusions.

Always approach your audience as a novice. When presenting a graph, for instance, consider what information a first-time viewer would need to grasp its meaning and trust its accuracy. It is common for presenters to neglect explaining axes or the methodologies used to gather and analyze the data.

Lastly, recognize that the evolution of new perspectives is inherently a collective effort. The lone innovator struggles without the ability to persuade others to adopt their view. Over time, new methods emerge stepwise from established practices, leading to a consensus within the community.

Periods of variation in methodologies can be challenging, as they hinder result comparisons. Effective leadership within the field can facilitate discussions on best practices and accelerate the establishment of standardized methods.