Connected to a clear acrylic dowel, flowing arches in a variety of shapes reach out, in order from smallest to largest, on both the right and left sides. Since the pieces are placed offset from the previous piece, the arches appear to be moving outwards from the center when spun, like ripples in water. The way the pieces flow out is to mimic the magnetic field surrounding the Psyche spacecraft.
Connected to a clear acrylic dowel, flowing arches in a variety of shapes reach out, in order from smallest to largest, on both the right and left sides. Since the pieces are placed offset from the previous piece, the arches appear to be moving outwards from the center when spun, like ripples in water. The way the pieces flow out is to mimic the magnetic field surrounding the Psyche spacecraft.

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The Flowing Fields of Psyche

Brooke Flanagan

November 13th, 2024

Major: Graphic Design

Genre/Medium: 1/8 inch acrylic sheets, acrylic dowel, iridescent film, super glue (3D multi-media art)

About the work:

The Flowing Fields of Psyche is an abstract wind spinner which mimics the lines of the Psyche spacecraft’s magnetic field. As the piece spins, arches of iridescent acrylic turn, creating an almost hypnotic pattern of asymmetric waves flowing outwards. This asymmetric pattern can be attributed to the many magnets and current loops in the spacecraft, along with the solar wings on adjacent sides. Each acrylic piece has a colorful film that mainly shifts between purple, pink, and orange, similar to those found in the Psyche logo. Through its shifting colors, flowing design, and spinning movement, the piece explores a distinct way of displaying the lines and patterns created by this magnetic field.

View Full Project

Psyche Inspired is a program that brings undergraduate students from any discipline or major together to share the excitement, innovation, and scientific and engineering content of NASA’s Psyche mission with the public in new ways through artistic and creative works. This year’s Psyche Inspired cohort is known as the Iridium Class. These works are posted in the gallery and highlighted on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. View the full resolution images in the image gallery. There are many ways to get involved with NASA’s Psyche mission. Learn how you can be a part of the Psyche mission through our “Get Involved” pages at https://psyche.asu.edu/get-involved/ and https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/ways-to-participate/. To learn more about the overall Psyche mission, visit nasa.gov/psyche or jpl.nasa.gov/missions/psyche.

Date Added: 11-13-2024
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/Brooke Flanagan - Psyche Inspired

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