Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

Cosmic Eye

Your eye to the cosmos; using augmented reality technology to expose the true nature of the sky.

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Cosmic Eye

Cosmic Eye

Cosmic Eye

Cosmic Eye

Cosmic Eye

Your eye to the cosmos; using augmented reality technology to expose the true nature of the sky.

Your eye to the cosmos; using augmented reality technology to expose the true nature of the sky.

Your eye to the cosmos; using augmented reality technology to expose the true nature of the sky.

Your eye to the cosmos; using augmented reality technology to expose the true nature of the sky.

Ashton Vigueras
Ashton Vigueras
Ashton Vigueras
Ashton Vigueras
1 Campaign |
Boston, United States
$963 USD 32 backers
16% of $6,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Concept
The project team has not yet produced a working demo for their concept. Their ability to successfully produce a prototype may be affected by product development or financial challenges.
Lightbulb Wrench Warehouse Truck
Concept Prototype Production Shipping
Overview
It has been said that we only see a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum -- light. To see only this very small part of what exists is akin to hearing only a single musician in an entire orchestra. To truly understand and perceive everything you must be able to hear all players of the orchestra -- you must be able to see all wavelengths of light. Cosmic Eye bridges the gap between what you see through a telescope and what actually exists in the cosmos.

 

What is Cosmic Eye?

Cosmic Eye was imagined by an amateur astronomer that was once clueless about the cosmos. The learning curve of astronomy is very high and discourages new entrants into the science. However, if one can begin to understand the basic concepts and fundamentals of the science the beauty and impressive vastness of the universe is revealed. To aid in this learning curve a better viewing experience through a telescope is what Cosmic Eye wishes to accomplish; to expose the true nature of what you see through a telescope.

Astronomy is a science that offers a unique perspective to even the most casual of astronomers. It provides those who understand the fundamentals a special connection with the universe we are all so lucky to perceive and only just beginning to understand.  

Cosmic Eye will utilize augmented reality display within the eyepiece of the telescope itself to overlay information and images that have been taken in different wave lengths of light to expose the true structure of the cosmos.

Different wave lengths of light can indicate different processes and events occurring throughout the cosmos. What can be seen through infrared light for example are regions of space that are active with star formation. Objects like nebula and galaxies can be seen with much better clarity and in more detail when looking at images taken with infrared filters and detectors. To illustrate this The Orion nebula is show below in a simulated view through Cosmic Eye:

 

The Orion Nebula in different wave lengths of light compared to a typical view through a telescope. Infrared and optical images: 2Mass, Mellinger, DSS2, and allWISE sky surveys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Andromeda Galaxy seen in different wave lengths of light compared to a typical view through a telescope. Infrared and optical images: Mellinger, allWISE, AKARI/FIS, and DSS sky surveys.

What We Need from You

I am asking for $6,000 which will pay for:

- Preliminary software development & research

- Hardware development and construction

- Payment and delivery of rewards

What You Will Get

This campaign is funding a prototype. Because of this the final product is not offered, however, there is some cool space related perks and rewards for those who donate that includes:

  • An electronic EP inspired by space. 
  • An audio tour of the sky to aid stargazers.
  • 12 x 18 prints of some of E.L. Trouvelot's astronomical drawings (c. 1870)
  • Original Art Paintings of Space
  • And more!

Regardless if the campaign goal is met or not, the money raised will go towards prototype development. This is just one step of many and I hope we can foster enough interest to create a group of people whom would support further iterations of this product.

The Impact

The idea of this product arose from the various challenges I observed in learning astronomy myself and when trying to explain the basic concepts to others. Cosmic Eye is heavily dependent on the successful execution of the software -- making it easily usable, seamless, and informative. Software development is expensive and laborious especially when programming for augmented reality. It is for this reason that a majority of the money raised will go towards the development of the software. Your contribution will not only help increase the likelihood that this product is successful, but also aid in the depth and usability of the software.  

Your aid toward this project could help on two major frontiers. The expansion of the science of astronomy, as well as increasing the contextual understanding of the cosmos to many more people. Not just the simple things, but truly expanding peoples' knowledge and perception of the universe that exists around and within them.

We are made of stardust, to use the phrase coined by famous astronomer Carl Sagan, and we are only the universe trying to understand itself. It is with this understanding that can come many great things, not just in science, but in human affairs as well. The universe truly touches every one of us, and it is through this mentality that our species may be able to transcend to a higher form of thinking and therefore a higher form of decision making.  

Risks & Challenges

The risks that this project faces are very real. Although I am confident that this idea is very realistic given today's technological development, it is dependent on the proper formation of a team that values the vision and impact of the product as much as I do. This means that it may take some time before a true prototype is completed. 

I have been talking with numerous software developers in order to find the right fit as well as someone who has the qualifications to build on this idea. I have networked with Boston Augmented Reality groups and fostered relationships with members of the augmented reality industry. Initial conversation is imperative and I have been constantly working with people to find members of use and interest. 

Other Ways You Can Help

If you are unable to donate do not worry! There are ways you can still help.

Please spread the word of the campaign by posting and sharing on social media. The more people become aware of this idea, the more likely Cosmic Eye will succeed. Indiegogo even has a convienent share tool to easily allow you to quickly share this campaign on many social media platforms. Anything can help!

Many thanks!

Ashton

 

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

featured

Perk Bundle

$55 USD
A bundle of some of the perks including a Trouvelot print, a copy of the Space EP, three post cards, and a thank you email. A bundle of astronomical joy for those who are especially generous and intrigued by the cosmos.
Included Items
  • Thank you email
  • Space Image Post Cards
  • Space EP
  • Trouvelot Astronomical Print
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Contributor

$3 USD
The butterfly effect explains that a small change in an initial condition can have immense impact in the future. Your contribution has been felt across the cosmos, and we thank you! We'll be sending you a thank you email that includes a quirky space fact to expand your understanding of the universe.
Included Items
  • Thank you email
Estimated Shipping
May 2017
0 claimed

Space Farer

$5 USD
Your contribution has been felt across the galaxy. We'll send you a hard copy letter (they still make those?!) thanking you for your contribution. A quirky space fact will also be provided to expand your knowledge and understanding of the cosmos, and signed by the founder.
Included Items
  • Thank you letter
Estimated Shipping
June 2017
1 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Space Enthusiast

$8 USD
A few postcards with images of celestial objects. Space inspired post cards to stimulate your brain. Send them to friends to express your love for space and astronomy!
Included Items
  • Space Image Post Cards
Estimated Shipping
June 2017
4 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Sounds of Electronic Space

$10 USD
A few songs with space vibes to stare at the stars to. Turn on these tunes and get lost in the quantum space and nebulous clouds of gas in the cosmos. Travel to distant worlds and imagine the incredible vastness of the cosmos. Produced by: o n l y . y e s t e r d a y
Included Items
  • Space EP
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
8 claimed

Student of the Cosmos

$25 USD
A 20 to 30 minute audio tour of the sky to help guide new entrants to astronomy. It will help aid those who are new to the basics of astronomy find some of the most captivating celestial objects in the night sky.
Included Items
  • Audio Tour of the Sky
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
0 claimed

Cosmic Art of Old

$30 USD
You will receive a 12 x 18 print of one of Etienne Leopold Trouvelot's (1827 - 1895) astronomical drawings from his collected works. This includes illustrations of the planet Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, a partial eclipse of the moon, and many more.
Included Items
  • Trouvelot Astronomical Print
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.

An Original Space Vista

$100 USD
An original art piece hand painted by Jennifer Dinger. An original space vista from the imagination of an artist. Blends of color and speckled stars await you!
Included Items
  • Original Art Print
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships to United States of America

Astro Date

$250 USD
An evening with the founder with champagne. Let's talk about the cosmos, astronomy, Star Wars, Star Trek, or any space related topic. Using a personal telescope you will certainly learn something new on this excursion of the cosmos. (Limited to adults 21+). Transportation is not provided.
Included Items
  • Champagne and Stargazing
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
1 out of 5 of claimed

You may also be interested in

Up Caret