Haptic and Thermal Rendering of Astronomical Data: A Multimodal Approach to Inclusive Science Communication

Universal Accessibility in Astronomy requires a paradigm shift from visual-centric communication to multisensory data interaction. This article explores the development and evaluation of a low-cost, multimodal tool designed to represent complex astronomical concepts—specifically stellar magnitude and color—through tactile and auditory stimuli. Unlike traditional methods, our approach focuses on the haptic-cognitive link, allowing users to "feel" data through physical relief models. We present a structured impact study involving a heterogeneous group of blind, low-vision, and sighted participants.The methodology followed a mixed-methods approach, including a participatory workshop with 20 individuals and a detailed usability assessment with a core group (N=6) of participants. Preliminary results from this pilot phase demonstrate that the multimodal integration effectively reduces the perceived mental effort for complex spatial data comprehension. Quantitative and qualitative feedback suggests that tactile-auditory sensory substitution not only improves accessibility but also enhances engagement and information retention across all user groups. These findings highlight the potential of multimodal models in transforming public scientific environments, such as museums and observatories, into inclusive, interactive spaces.