Project Statement

This project is meant to be an interactive piece where you can experiment and figure out the scale of different bodies in the universe. The balloon acts as a reference representing 1 body (e.g. 1 sun). The user can manipulate the size of the balloon and the number of these reference bodies (which will be displayed realtime on screen) to see the body with equivalent size.

The user controls the number and size by utilizing a 3-axis accelerometer. Bending it to the left or right changes the number. Bending it forward and backward inflates/deflates the balloon. This is intended for any audience to use.

This idea was inspired from the universe comparison videos I have seen on youtube. I intended to replicate something similar physically. I am hoping that this shows people how much larger the world is compared to themselves, and how small the problems they are currently facing are in the large scheme of things.

Progress Made

Currently, I have the structure for the waterfall made using styrofoam. I have also finished the vases where the water will sit. Most of my time was wasted this weekend making and waiting for the concrete versions to dry. Yesterday, I resorted to plan b; switching to plastic vases. Water is able to flow through without the pump powering it. Additionally, the electrical components and code are functional and working as planned.

What’s Left?

The waterfall base needs to be sealed and painted. The vases also need to be painted and glue down to the base. I need to find a more flexible hose since the current one I have will not fit into the styrofoam structure. Once a better hose is chosen, I can add the pump and arrange the sensor and its components. Finally, I can add more decorations like rocks and moss to make the waterfall feel more realistic and play around with the settings of the pump.