A Cosmic Symphony

NanoGrav 15 Years Dataset AnnouncementJune 29, 2023US National Science Foundation Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Story of the Universe's Gravitational Waves with NanoGrav

At the heart of the NanoGrav project is a monumental endeavor: transforming 67 pulsars across the Milky Way into a “Galaxy-sized Telescope.” This vast cosmic observatory is meticulously designed to detect gravitational waves rippling through the universe by precisely measuring the pulsars’ frequencies and, crucially, their subtle “arrival time” deviations.

To help audiences grasp this profound concept, we drew an analogy: comparing gravitational waves to sound waves, and the elusive gravitational wave background noise to a cosmic symphony. Our narrative began with the fundamental question: what are gravitational waves? We then explained that the most massive sources of these waves are colossal black hole binaries, and that pulsars, with their extraordinarily accurate and regular pulses, act as perfect celestial clocks whose observed frequency and arrival times are exquisitely sensitive to these cosmic ripples.

The release of the NanoGrav 15-year dataset marked a pivotal moment. By analyzing the minute deviations and characteristic patterns within these pulsars’ signals, we gained an unprecedented opportunity to peek into the ultimate secrets of the universe, offering insights into phenomena like the cosmic web and the enigmatic nature of dark matter.

My Roles
  • Directed visualization for the NanoGrav 15-year dataset release.
  • Independently managed the entire production process, including concept, script, storytelling, animation, sound design, and delivery.
  • Earned profound appreciation from leading scientists, including Kip Thorne, for making complex astrophysical discoveries accessible and understandable.
  • Featured prominently at an international news release conference at NSF Headquarters in Washington, DC
  • Published in many mainstream news outlets and scientific communities.

Highlights
  • End-to-End Production Leadership: Being a "one-man band" to take charge of the entire production, from concept to storytelling, brainstorming with scientists, animation, sound design, music, and copyright, showcased comprehensive project management and creative direction skills.
  • Deep Scientific Engagement and Translation: Brainstormed with scientists and set up the tones and implement everything. Bridged the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and public understanding.
  • Empathetic Communication and Impact: Beyond just creating visuals; it's about making science personally meaningful and accessible, fulfilling mission to "discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe".
  • Strategic Storytelling: "cultural storytelling" for conveying complex narratives. Not only what scientists and leadership want to deliver, but also what general audience wants to know.

"I watched your video with tears... Thanks to you, for the first time, my husband and my kid FINALLY understand what I do for a living!"

— One of the chief NanoGrav scientists shared this feedback at the news conference.

During the news conference at the NSF HQ, the government funding officer overseeing NanoGrav came to me, genuinely said, “Thank you for your great work!”

I replied to him, “No, we should really thank the scientists! These people, although stuck in a small world around their homes and offices, somehow see all the way to the end of the universe and the very beginning of time. Like if we’re stranded on an island, they’re the brave ones who climb the highest mountain to look around, to find the next island, or maybe even a whole new continent, or to warn us when a tsunami is coming. We absolutely need to protect them at all costs!”

This moment profoundly underscored for me the immense power of effective science communication – not just to inform, but to inspire gratitude, wonder, and a collective commitment to understanding our place in the cosmos. It reinforced my conviction that visualizing the “unimaginable” is essential to bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and global public understanding.

Famous black hole astrophysicist Kip Thorne also gave my work great praises.

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