Scientists have used 3D printing technology to transform images taken from the Hubble Space Telescope into tactile “pictures” for the blind. Astronomers Carol Christian and Antonella Nota of the Space Telescope Science Institute are experimenting with 3D models as a means of aiding education for people who cannot study visual images.
Christian and Nota are working with a team of experts in software design and in developing programs for people with visual impairments. Custom software has been developed to calculate and translate measurements such as size, brightness and distance from the Hubble images into 3D-printable designs.
via Gizmag
