Skip to content

Overview

Effective science communication is a core component of modern astrophysics and scientific practice more broadly. Beyond producing accurate models and visualizations, we as scientists have a responsibility to ensure that our work is understandable, meaningful, and engaging to diverse audiences. Research shows that thoughtfully designed visuals and narratives can enhance comprehension of complex, multidimensional data while fostering public interest and support. Successful communication strategies in astronomy frame research around “grand questions,” using visual storytelling, and apply evidence-based principles for accessibility and clarity. In the big picture, we as scientists do not only act as researchers but also as mediators between data and (societal) understanding, collaborating with educators, designers, and outreach specialists to ensure that discoveries are accurately and effectively shared. Integrating science communication into research practice strengthens both the impact of scientific work and the connection between science and society.

EPaCO group

In the EPaCO group, our work sits at the interface between observational data and large-scale simulations that model extreme astrophysical environments. These projects depend on substantial public resources, and with that comes a dual responsibility: to use those resources efficiently and to communicate our findings accurately, transparently, and accessibly. Science communication isn’t just an add-on—it’s part of the fun of being a scientist! We hope everyone in the group keeps thinking about how to explain their work, swaps ideas with colleagues, and explores the resources below for inspiration.

  • Visualization in Astrophysics: Developing New Methods, Discovering Our Universe, and Educating the Earth. Lan et al. (2021), arXiv: 2106.00152. How to categorize types of data taken from astronomy specifically? Which visualizations work best for which type of data?

    Highlights and takeaways: Section 8.7 (pg 21-22): Challenges and solutions to communication with the public.

  • The Science of Visual Data Communication: What Works. Franconeri et al. (2021). open-access article. Approaches data communication from a public policy and business perspective, focusing on how to make data clear and easily understandable for the average viewer.

    Highlights and takeaways: Graphic on page 115 summarizing key principles of effective data communication.

  • Sharing the Adventure with the Public: The Value and Excitement of 'Grand Questions' of Space Science and Exploration: Summary of a Workshop. National Research Council (2011), open-access article. This workshop—organized by the National Research Council’s Space Studies Board—examined how NASA and its research communities communicate with the public about major programs and discoveries. The discussions centered around five “Grand Questions” in space science and exploration and concluded with sessions on effective public communication strategies.

    Highlights and takeaways: Why is scientific communication important at all? A broad, practical summary of outreach motivations and lessons from NASA’s engagement with the public.

  • Seeing the Unseen: Accurate and Inclusive Colour Scales in Space Science. Fabio Crameri (ISSI Lecture Series), YouTube video. In the vast landscape of scientific data, colour serves as a key to comprehension. This lecture explores how deliberate colour choices in scientific visualization enhance understanding while misuse can distort meaning or exclude audiences. This lecture gives an overview of colour perception, the science behind effective colour maps, and best practices for communicating data across the physical sciences.

    Highlights and takeaways: Overview of human colour perception and its relevance for accurate visualization. Demonstrates how poor colour choices can mislead or exclude viewers. Introduces Scientific Colour Maps — accessible, perceptually uniform palettes for research and outreach. Emphasizes colour as a bridge between data accuracy and aesthetic clarity in scientific communication.

  • Am I Making Myself Clear? A Scientist's Guide to Talking to the Public. Dean (2009), library ressource. A practical guide for scientists on how to engage effectively with the public, handle media interactions, and describe research clearly across different platforms—print, online, and in person.

    Highlights and takeaways: Helpful for general guidelines on communicating science. Chapter 10 on key reminders for clarity and precision in scientific writing.

  • Astronomy Communication. Heck (2003), library ressource. A foundational book exploring how astronomers communicate their work, both within the scientific community and to the broader public. This work discusses the historical and cultural accessibility of astronomy, its reliance on powerful imagery, and the evolving role of media and technology in outreach.

    Highlights and takeaways: Explains why astronomy has long been a model field for public engagement. Emphasizes that effective communication sustains public interest and funding. Discusses the transition from traditional print and spoken forms to digital media for scientific outreach.

  • Science: Image In Action — Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Data Analysis in Astronomy, library ressource. A collection of papers from the seventh Data Analysis in Astronomy workshop, exploring how data analysis drives integrative trends across disciplines. The volume centers on the theme of representation in science, reflecting on how visualization and modeling shape understanding.

    Highlights and takeaways: Statistical Information: A Bayesian Perspective (p. 3), Reality, Models and Representations: The Case of Galaxies, Intelligence and Avatar (p. 217).

by Nicole Worting, Dartmouth '27