Dark Matter Embodied

A Virtual Encounter into the Unseen Universe

Three people wearing virtual reality headsets standing in a dark room, facing a colorful galaxy-like digital projection, suggesting immersive VR exploration or research — Image of participants observing gravitational lensing of the Bullet Cluster (1E 0657–56), Dennis, D., AI generated image

How do we make the unseeable... seeable? Theoretical particle physicist, Ian Shoemaker (Associate Professor, College of Science, Department of Physics) along with visual artist, Dustin Dennis (Collegiate Assistant Professor, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, School of Visual Arts) will collaborate to create an immersive Virtual Reality program to communicate the mysterious and exotic topic of dark matter. By developing a VR program focusing on dark matter, this team will provide an experience that combines high-quality artistic expression with a scientific lesson geared for an introductory audience.