3DMAP-VR, a project to visualize 3-dimensional models of astrophysical phenomena in virtual reality

Abstract

In this research note, we present 3DMAP-VR,(3-Dimensional Modeling of Astrophysical Phenomena in Virtual Reality), a project aimed at visualizing 3D MHD models of astrophysical simulations, using virtual reality sets of equipment. The models account for all the relevant physical processes in astrophysical phenomena: gravity, magnetic-field-oriented thermal conduction, energy losses due to radiation, gas viscosity, deviations from proton-electron temperature equilibration, deviations from the ionization equilibrium, cosmic rays acceleration, etc.. We realized an excellent synergy between our 3DMAP-VR project and Sketchfab (one of the largest open access platforms to publish and share 3D virtual reality and augmented reality content) to promote a wide dissemination of results for both scientific and public outreach purposes.