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Touching the News

How far will the James Webb Space Telescope see back in time?

How far will the James Webb Space Telescope see back in time?

1. Timeline with 2 circles indicating James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope, and braille labels.

Title: Seeing back into the cosmos

Image description: Graphic illustrating the age of the universe in billions of years relative to how far back human telescope technology can see. The information in the tactile graphic is formatted on a horizontal number line that is logarithmic, with the Big Bang on the left at zero. At roughly 400 thousand years, the cosmic microwave background appears. James Webb Space Telescope can see back to 0.3 billion years when the first stars begin to appear. Between 0.3 and 1 billion years old, the first galaxies are forming. The Hubble Space Telescope can see back roughly 1 billion years. On the far right of the timeline is the modern universe at 13.7 billion years old.

In the original diagram, there is additional information embedded in the background of the number line. In this representation, time is shown as a triangle with the smallest point at the Big Bang. Until the microwave background happens, space is represented by solid orange. Between the microwave background and the time of the first stars appearing is the Dark Age represented by black. There is a thin line of purple, followed by the first stars appearing. This is the beginning of a visual progression over the course of the first stars forming into the modern universe where galaxies are forming tight clusters. When the first stars begin to form, light is diffused progressively aggregating into tight light clusters. At the time of our modern universe, galaxies are bright and forming spiraling shapes.

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ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, landscape:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: How Far Will Webb See? from Webb vs Hubble Telescope, NASA website.

Related articles: James Webb Space Telescope in final stretch, BBC News; Sharp pictures! James Webb Space Telescope completes alignment in huge milestone, Space.com.

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America’s gun culture in charts: gun rights vs gun control spending

America’s gun culture in charts: gun rights vs gun control spending

Bar chart with 5 pairs of bars and braille labels.

Title: Gun Rights vs Gun Control Groups Spending

Image description: Bar graph with y-axis label “million $” and x-axis label “year,” with five pairs of bars comparing gun rights spending as the left bar and gun control spending as the right bar. The y-axis increases from 0 to 60 in increments of 10 million dollars. The year shows years 2012 to 2020. The trend for gun rights spending increases from 2012 to 2016, then decreases with a large dip in 2018. The trend for gun control spending increases from 2012, approaching gun control spending in 2020. Table with approximate amounts below.

Year Gun rights spending (approximate) Gun control spending (approximate)
2012 $20 million  Less than $1 million
2014 $28 million $9 million
2016 $55 million $3 million
2018 $10 million $6 million
2020 $32 million $23 million

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, landscape:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Chart titled “Gun rights groups have spent more than gun control groups in most recent years” from America’s gun culture – in seven charts, BBC News.

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What is the layout of a Major League Baseball field?

What is the layout of a Major League Baseball field?

Baseball diamond layout with braille labels.Title: Baseball Diamond

Image description: Aerial view of a Major League Baseball field, with infield at the bottom and outfield at the top. The bases are laid out in a square, rotated 45-degrees, with 90 feet between each, connected by a solid line. Bases are marked by a dot and label, with home plate at the bottom, 1st base to the right, 2nd base above (dotted leader line to label), 3rd base to the left. Foul lines starting from home plate radiate out 45-degrees, represented as dashed lines along the outfield. A small arc connects to the lines beyond 1st and 3rd to show the infield bounds. A large arc connects the top of the foul lines, containing the outfield. Player positions are marked by numbers: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first base, 4 second base, 5 third base, 6 shortstop, 7 left field, 8 center field, 9 right field. The graphic includes a key to abbreviations, symbols, and scale line showing 90-ft distance.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Related articles: Everything you need to know about ’22 season, mlb.com

Map of Ukraine, relevant cities and regions

Map of Ukraine, relevant cities and regions

Map of Ukraine with braille labels for cities and surrounding countries.

 

Title: Ukraine Map

Image Description: Map of Ukraine with bordering countries and prominent cities labeled. North is up; north arrow is omitted. Surrounding Ukraine, clockwise from the northeast, is Poland, Belarus, Russia (northeast and east), Black Sea, Moldova, Romania, Hungary (not labeled), Slovakia (not labeled). Crimea is south of Ukraine within the Black Sea, though land adjacent. Cities are labeled with abbreviations, clockwise from the northeast border with Poland: Lviv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Mariupol, Kherson, Odessa. Crimea (south) and the Donbas region (east), are separated with a dotted line.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRN for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Mapping the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Washington Post.

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How high was the Tonga volcanic plume?

How high was the Tonga volcanic plume?

Chart with braille labels. X- and y-axis labeling Altitude and Longitude, a horizontal line across the middle with volcanic plume in stratosphere above, and clouds in troposphere below.

 

Title: Tonga volcanic plume height

Image Description: Chart showing a 2-dimensional view of the stratosphere and troposphere. The y-axis shows Altitude, from 0 to 35 km. The x-axis shows Longitude, from 158 to 162 degrees. There is a horizontal line at 15 kilometers separating the troposphere on the bottom with small, scattered clouds and the stratosphere on top with long, thin volcanic plumes.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, landscape:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source:Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai Erupts, NASA Earth Observatory; Tonga volcano: Plume reached half-way to space, BBC News.

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Where are Russia’s troops positioned near Ukraine?

Where are Russia’s troops positioned near Ukraine?

Map of Ukraine with symbols and braille labels within bordering countries.

 

Title: Russian Troop Locations, Feb 2022

Image Description: Map of Ukraine and bordering countries, showing locations of Russia’s troops, both permanently stationed and newly arrived units. North is up; north arrow is omitted. Ukraine is in the middle with Belarus to the northwest, Russia to the northeast and east, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Crimea, a small area to the south, surrounded by the Black Sea. Newly arrived units (numbers unconfirmed) are marked with a solid dot. Permanently stationed troops are marked by a number, representing the number in thousands. Near Ukraine, newly arrived units within Belarus: 8; Russia: 6, Crimea: 1; Moldova: 1. Approximate numbers of permanently stationed troops within Russia: 32,000; Crimea: 7000; Moldova: 1000.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Map titled “Where Russia’s troops are positioned” within article:Ukraine: What is Nato and why doesn’t Russia trust it?, BBC News.

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What was that secret code on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Parachute?

What was that secret code on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Parachute?

2 tactile graphics: Mars Perseverance Parachute with braille labels and detail section.

Tactile graphic 1: Perseverance Parachute

Description: Parachute viewed from below, showing patterned segments filled with orange, white, or a number or letter. The code along the outer circle is the coordinates of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The code on the inner rings reads “DARE MIGHTY THINGS,” with the orange-keyed segments spacing out each word.

Tactile graphic 2, detail: Perseverance Parachute, patterned section enlarged

Description: Detail section of one gore (segment) of the parachute, from the center, out to the letter “D,” showing the white and orange pattern in binary code.

Source: Mars Decoder Ring, JPL website.

Additional related articles: NASA Sent a Secret Message to Mars. Meet the People Who Decoded It., The New York Times, Internet sleuths solve secret message on Perseverance rover’s Mars parachute, Space.com, The inspiring hidden message in the Mars Perseverance rover’s parachute, CNN, Mars Perseverance Entry, Descent, and Landing, NASA website.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Quick Facts, Mars Helicopter Status Updates, Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Fact Sheet (PDF)

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January 6 US Capitol Timeline Maps

January 6 US Capitol Timeline Maps

2 graphics: Capitol building outline and surrounding fence, and detail map of Capitol building around Senate Chamber and surrounding hallways, both with braille labels.

 

Graphic 1: Jan 6, 2021, US Capitol Overview Map

Image Description: Map of the Capitol Building surrounded by police barricade fencing and the locations where it was breached. North is to the left. The US Capitol Building is shown as a thick, solid line, containing abbreviations (from left) for Senate Chamber, Rotunda, and House Chamber. The fencing, two long dashed lines, curve around the Capitol to the north and south. Breached fences, dotted lines, are to the east and west, as well as diagonal barricades starting from bottom left of the fenced area toward the west entrance of the Capitol Building. Times on the map label the fencing when barricades were breached–2:00 on the east side of the building (above), and 2:10 on the west (below). An arrow points down, west toward the National Mall.

Graphic 2: Jan 6, 2021, US Capitol 2nd Floor Detail Map

Image Description: Cropped floor plan (north 1/3rd) of the Capitol Building’s second floor, showing the exterior wall, hallways, and the Senate Chamber. North is to the left. The building exterior is a thick, solid line, with a dotted line on the west side (bottom of page) where the mob broke through doors and windows of the first floor at 2:11 PM. The Senate Chamber is a filled texture, with hallways leading to it on 3 sides. Hallways are thin solid lines, marked with dots at the locations of Mike Pence, and where the mob faced off with police. A labeled arrow points to the stairs on the east side where the mob entered the hallway near the Senate Chamber at 2:14 PM.  To the right, an arrow points to the Rotunda and House Chamber.

This is a 3-page graphic containing the Capitol Overview map and detail map, along with a key to abbreviations and textures, as well as associated timeline of events.

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ZIP folder contains files for producing 3 pages of tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Capitol riots timeline: What happened on 6 Jan one year ago?, BBC News. How a Presidential Rally Turned Into a Capitol Rampage, The New York Times.

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What does a tardigrade look like?

What does a tardigrade look like?

Illustration of side view, front view, and underside of a tardigrade, a sweet potato-shaped creature with 8 legs, eyespot, and braille labels.

Title: Tardigrade (Water Bear)

Image Description: Illustration of a tardigrade from three angles, including the side view in the top half of the page and front facing and the underside views in the bottom half of the page. The side view shows a mouth and eyespot on the left end of the oblong body with four symmetric pairs of legs and claws along the entire length. The front view shows a symmetric pair of legs and claws on the lower end of the body with a circular face including two eye spots and a round mouth. The underside view shows the length of the body with the head at top and 8 legs and claws along the entire length.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: Researchers found a new species of water bear fossilized in a hunk of ancient amber, NPR. Tardigrade facts, National Geographic.

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Touching The News: Where was the Pentagon hit on 9/11?

Touching The News: Where was the Pentagon hit on 9/11?

Diagram of the Pentagon layout showing corridors, rings, and impact damage area.

Title: Pentagon 9/11 Layout

Note: For this week you chose the location of the different branches of the military in the Pentagon. We found it very difficult to find a verifiable graphic of that. We have found for you this week a graphic showing the impact of Flight 77.

Image Description: Illustration of the Pentagon with interior courtyard, showing rings and corridors, as well as flight 77 area of impact. Dashed lines represent rings and solid lines represent corridors. There are 5 concentric rings of hallways and rooms, labeled A through E, with the innermost and outermost providing access to interior points on all floors. 10 corridors, labeled by number, radiate from the interior corners to exterior sides. Impact damage area, including corridors 3-6, is shown with a filled texture.

Download Graphic

ZIP folder contains files for producing tactile graphics on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, portrait:

  • PRNs for ViewPlus Columbia / Delta, APH PixBlaster, IRIE BrailleTrac / BrailleSheet;
  • PDFs for Swell, Microcapsule or PIAF;
  • Reference PDFs with corresponding large print text (not for tactile production).

Printing Instructions and Supported Embossers

How to unzip/uncompress: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, MacOS.

Source: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Pentagon, US Department of Defense.

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