Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Villanova astrophysicist Becka Phillipson wondered what a black hole might sound like.
She found an answer by translating X-ray data from a black hole system into musical notes.
The first time she listened to the audio, the cacophony reminded her of someone pressing every key on an organ at once.
After roughly 30 seconds of this “chaos,” she heard a “coherent, beautiful major chord” ring out.
Her research formed the backdrop for a 13-minute musical composition performed on Saturday at the Chestnut Hill Skyspace, a venue and art installation. The black hole-inspired piece was one of three in an immersive concert, called “This Silent Music,” centered on collective listening.
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Villanova astrophysicist Becka Phillipson wondered what a black hole might sound like.
She found an answer by translating X-ray data from a black hole system into musical notes.
The first time she listened to the audio, the cacophony reminded her of someone pressing every key on an organ at once.
After roughly 30 seconds of this “chaos,” she heard a “coherent, beautiful major chord” ring out.
Her research formed the backdrop for a 13-minute musical composition performed on Saturday at the Chestnut Hill Skyspace, a venue and art installation. The black hole-inspired piece was one of three in an immersive concert, called “This Silent Music,” centered on collective listening.
Read more at inquirer.com
If you value this work, please consider subscribing to the Philadelphia Inquirer ►► inquirer.com/youtube
More from Philadelphia Inquirer Video:
Watch all of our videos here: inquirer.com/video
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philadelphia...
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