Aurora Path

Aurora Path is an interactive installation that merges science, technology, and storytelling to create an immersive exploration of the aurora. It not only explains the formation and variations of the northern lights but also allows participants to actively engage with the phenomenon, forging a deeper intellectual and emotional connection.
At the heart of the story is Hassan, a curious and adventurous fennec fox from North Africa, who embarks on a journey in his spaceship, Weaver of Light. Starting from Beijing, he documents the rare red auroras, then travels across Iceland and the polar regions, ultimately soaring into space. Along the way, audiences join Hassan in co-creating unique auroras that respond dynamically to their actions.
Hassan’s study is documented in a series of research manuscripts, where he records the science behind auroras—their formation, variations, and relationship to solar wind and atmospheric composition. These manuscripts are presented in a gamified format, allowing participants to interact with his findings. By deciphering his notes and experimenting with custom-built interactive devices, audiences can manipulate atmospheric conditions and solar activity, directly influencing the aurora’s shape and color, turning abstract scientific principles into an engaging, hands-on experience.
Technologically, Aurora Path integrates TouchDesigner to simulate realistic aurora visuals and YOLOv8 for real-time audience tracking, ensuring that the aurora fluidly follows participants' movements. Interactive devices, powered by ESP32 microcontrollers, incorporate sound sensors, airflow detectors, and environmental monitors to capture real-time inputs. These signals, transmitted wirelessly, adjust the aurora's brightness, motion, and hue, simulating the impact of solar wind and atmospheric composition in real time.
By blending scientific education with interactive storytelling and cutting-edge technology, Aurora Path transforms the way audiences understand and experience the aurora, offering a poetic