High-Level Project Summary
The main aim of the challenge is to develop a solution which focuses on tiny changes caused in the cosmic sky frequently. Sometimes these changes, because of their very nature, remains hidden from human observance. We, here, aimed to develop a tool which provides significance to such phenomenon. We come up with an app which gives out boundless information about these tiny objects with the help of game visualizers. As we know that games are a fun way of developing interest in a particular field. We have used 4 different interactive games so that the user can learn along with playing. The game visualizes why and how these stars shows varied behaviour and also helps in observing patterns.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
The project provides a learning platform for gaining the knowledge about the Space element called Star through game visualizers. It is a creative and interactive platform that enhances the user interest in the Space Science. It helps the user to know more about variable stars through games and other resources provided in the app. The interface is user friendly specially made for children so that they can access and know more about the stars. It gives virtual tour of the space and learn about how dynamic the night sky really is!
We have used various technologies:
Unity
C#
Script
VSCode
Flutter
Space Agency Data
NASA Resources Used
- Cepheid Variables - This content was used to display data in the form of graphs
- Introduction to Cataclysmic Variables (CVs) - This content was used to think the basic design behind the games .
- Introduction to Light Curves - The phenomenon was used to educate the users .
- General Catalog of Variable Stars (GCVS), March 2017 Version - This file was used to provide factual data to the users
Hackathon Journey
The journey of developing solutions for the "Twinkle ,Twinkle, Little Star" has been both remarkable and challenging .
We came across many new ideas to find a solution. We brainstormed on every detail, whether it was to decide how to make the app interactive or if it was to decide the UI of the app. We have learnt a lot, not only on a individual level but also as a team.
We came across many problems, one of which was to integrate a unity model within our code. None of us have done that before and the clock was ticking, but we kept faith in ourselves and managed to go through the process together.
While we were going through all the challenges, one of my friends and teammate who is completely an astrophile, a nerd, came across this challenge and this idea motivated her so much that it sparked curiosity in rest of us also. To present critical analysis and make people aware about such untouched strata in a fun and interactive way is all that we dedicated ourselves to. This was the reason behind choosing this challenge.
We went through many brainstorming sessions and everytime we would get some idea better than the previous one, to visualize the phenomenon, we decided making fun games. We divided the project into parts and assigned each of us with some part of the project. We set deadlines, failed many deadlines, passed a few and have worked our best to compile this app.
References
References Used:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFN4zBMg4M/iFWreHjmPBF1l-rw_abizw/view?utm_content=DAFN4zBMg4M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFNyPV6O6k/RuE5TY2htTU0u-u3aYHXPw/edit?utm_content=DAFNyPV6O6k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFN5QPGGtM/fg8YPFoH8ojeC7uLrRTD5w/view?utm_content=DAFN5QPGGtM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFN5eUpv7Y/neE-6wStaBXLlOVn1uWF8A/view?utm_content=DAFN5eUpv7Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view
Tags
#space #variableStars #NASA #cepehids #virtualTour