Artist-in-Residence with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
September 2023 - March 2024
A series of short films, as well as five live solo performances, were created during this period while shadowing and learning from the astrophysicists, scientists, and engineers of LASP. An adventure of interlacing the curiosity explored through art and science and uniting the two which highly complement one another. I immersed myself in various facets of space science to begin to understand the movement within, and showcase the relationships between these wildly exciting + abstract phenomenas, and our human experience on planet Earth.
DUST WHISPERS
A film by: Alexandra Lockhart | Dancer, Choreographer
Description: An ode to space dust and the unique people who dedicate such passion and sensitivity to understanding the beholder of deep time and knowledge of the universe. Inspired by the truth that even within finely tuned engineered perfection, unknowns can appear in between. In this lab of extreme precision and systematic measurement, the human ability to adapt to chaos, implement ‘sanity checks’, problem solve, and utilize the sense of sound is celebrated.
Choreographed by following directions of the gas transfer process for the Pelletron accelerator as it preps to launch single dust particles at 100km/s to puff into plasma plumes.
For the dust whisperer.
Music composition: ‘Indigo Nocturne’ by Michael Wall
Special ‘Thank you’ to John Fontanese | PRA Instrument Engineering/NPL laboratory manager
CASCADING ABYSS
A film by: Alexandra Lockhart | Dancer, Choreographer
Description: Turbulence, an elusive yet impactful phenomena embedded in space plasma. This film explores a realm that is constantly morphing, creating an illusion of any beginning or end, as well as any entrance or exit. Complex eddies and vortices cause confusion of where you came from and where you’re going. Hypnotized but this, one can easily get lost in, and obsessed with, the dimensional and contorting layers.
Data sonification: Ashlin Aronin Sonfication of Encounter 8 data from the FIELDS Instrument on Parker Solar Probe
Visuals: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center's Conceptual Image Lab/Lisa Poje Simulations by: Colby Haggerty (University of Chicago), Ashley Michini (University of Pennsylvania), Tulasi Parashar (University of Delaware)
Special 'Thank you’ to Peter Tatum.
TRANSIENT PHENOMENA
A film by: Alexandra Lockhart | Dancer, Choreographer
Description: The enchanting transitional region of the Sun’s corona where impressive energy is unleashed, taking the form of a spiraling solar wind. Driven by magnetism and excited states, particles embark on expressionistic ventures through a fluid form where energetic, yet slinky conversations evolve multidimensionally.
A place where waves tell tales.
Choreographed based off of Encounter 9 data from the FIELDS instrument on Parker Solar Probe, identifying switchback regions.
Music composition: ‘Aware Again’ by Nathan Wheeler
Special ‘Thank you’ to Dr. David Malaspina and the LASP Parker Solar Probe research group.
IO’S DUSTY SPIRAL
A film by: Alexandra Lockhart | Dancer, Choreographer
Description: Inspired by Dr. Mihály Horányi’s simulation of ‘The Dusty Ballerina Skirt’, this film features the elegant and energetic spiral of dust created as particles are ejected out into space from the vibrant volcanoes erupting on Jupiter’s Moon, Io. An exuberant example of centrifugal motion by the most volcanically active body in the solar system.
Music composition: ‘A Brief Encounter’ by Nathan Wheeler
Simulation video: Dr. Mihály Horányi
Special ‘Thank you’ to Dr. Mihály Horányi.