Astera - Gamifying the Extra-Galactic Universe for educational fun
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Galaxies are truly the most astounding places in the universe. Colossal systems of stars (of which our sun is just one among trillions), these truly colossal objects have been rightly dubbed `island universes' in their own right. If you were to do the impossible and 'zoom out' our view of the universe to perceive it on the largest scales, you would see billions of galaxies scattered like glittering jewels on a pall of dark velvet. You would see the vast diversity in galaxy structure ('morphologies') with colossal, ancient elliptical galaxies and intricate, tightly wound spiral galaxies. This 'God's eye view' of the universe has existed only in the minds of Astronomers, until now. We call this project 'Astera'. Developed in-house at the University of Southampton, Astera generates a dazzlingly beautiful, but also scientifically accurate, interactive view of the universe on unimaginably large scales. Developed using the popular game engine Unreal Engine, Astera allows the user to voyage through the cosmos with dynamic and immersive first-person control. In this project, we will take Astera to the next level, by leveraging cutting-edge, STFC-funded research into computer modelling of galaxy evolution, to develop our project into an exciting and engaging video game. The player will have the ability to not only observe, but also influence, the evolution of galaxies themselves, in a fun and gamified way that will make players always want to come back for more. In this project, we will develop a prototype version of this game, which we will use to pitch for additional investment or partnership with an existing game studio. This project will also be shared with a group of preliminary testers, to secure feedback that is customer driven. Finally, we will further develop our contacts within the industry, to pave the way for a full commercial release of Astera.
People |
ORCID iD |
Francesco Shankar (Principal Investigator) |
Description | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account round 2 grants |
Amount | £70,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Southampton |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2023 |
End | 03/2024 |
Description | Collaboration with the Winchester Science Centre |
Organisation | Winchester Science Centre |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Since the Astera project begun, I continued to hold talks within their 168-seater Planetarium at the Winchester Science Centre supported by local academics and/or industry partners. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Astera exhibit continues to feature in the Winchester Science Centre Explorer: Space zone. The interactive nature of the exhibit allows children to be 'hands on' and learn more about space, provoking critical thinking and scientific enquiry skills. During the current financial year, the WSC are expecting to have had over 160,000 visitors to the science centre who all would have had the opportunity to use the exhibit to learn more about space. There will be future opportunities to continue this as part of their newly developed Science Explained events. |
Impact | Via the WSC we are reaching out to an incredible amount of engaged people throughout the country. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | School Visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The Astera team is regularly visiting schools in the whole area and more activities have been requested by different schools. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
Description | Winchester Science Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Astera has a built-in exhibit in the Winchester Science Centre Explorer Space zone. So far, more than 160,000 visitors have had the chance to use the exhibit and learn more about space. The interactive nature of the exhibit allows children to be 'hands on' and learn more about space, provoking critical thinking and scientific enquiry skills. In addition, public talks about the Universe and Astera have continued to hold talks within the 168-seater Planetarium at the Winchester Science Centre supported by local academics and/or industry partners. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023 |
URL | https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/exploring/explorer-space |