Rediscovering Korea's Ancient Skies in VR
An Interactive 3D Map of our Galaxy & Korean Traditional Constellations in VR
2017 - 2019 / Collaboration with Benjamin L'Huillier
Korea Culture Technology Institute (KCT), Korea Astronomy & Space Science Institute (KASI)
Special Thanks to Go-Eun Choi (KASI), Cris Sabiu, Hongjin Yang (KASI) & Changbom Park (KIAS)
[pdf]
Rediscovering Korea’s Ancient Skies began as an initiative to harness VR technology to transform cutting-edge astronomical data of the Milky Way into a deeply immersive experience. The first Gaia data release in 2016 provided an unprecedentedly detailed view of our Galaxy’s celestial objects. Initially, our goal was to bring this data to life through a 3D VR visualization, allowing people to explore and experience the cosmos spatially. This vision soon expanded into a larger project: creating the first interactive 3D star map of the Milky Way, accessible to all and rooted in real data.
To make the experience even more relatable, we incorporated Korean constellations into the VR visualization. This addition not only bridges contemporary cosmology with Korea’s historical astronomy but also revitalizes interest in Korea’s rich astronomical traditions and cultural heritage. Through intuitive design and immersive entry points, the project encourages active exploration, inviting users to engage with the data and make personal connections. Rediscovering Korea’s Ancient Skies transforms vast astronomical data into a public resource of knowledge and inspiration, inviting users to discover and interact within this expansive cosmic landscape.
3D VISUALIZATION & NAVIGATION
The system offers a comprehensive 3D view of stars and constellations, equipped with navigation controls such as adjustable speed, direction (fixed or gaze-based), zoom capabilities, and a “return to origin” feature (Earth or our Solar System). Additionally, we explored various navigation methods, including magnetic movement, jumps, and grabs, along with different pointer designs.
3D INTERACTION DESIGN
PROCESS
Beginning with the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (CS-do), the world’s second oldest star map and a significant Korean astronomical artifact, we faced initial challenges due to the lack of publicly accessible, machine-readable databases for Eastern constellations.
Using C. Park's 1998 analysis, which identified roughly 1/5 of the CS-do’s stars in the Yale Bright Star Catalogue, we built a custom database by cross-referencing with modern catalogs (HYG, Hipparcos, TGAS). This process involved coordinate conversion, error adjustment, data structuring for interactivity, and accuracy verification through additional sources and 2D/3D mapping.
Despite only being able to cross-identify 364 out of 1,467 stars from the CS-do—leaving nearly 75% unmatched, which limited visualization of some complex constellations—we successfully produced a convincing and immersive output. Even with conflicting expert opinions on certain culturally significant stars, the project captures the essence of Korea’s rich astronomical tradition, making this ancient knowledge accessible to a modern audience.
- Source: C.Park, 'Analysis of the Star Map in CS-Do', 1998
Data curation from multiple sources
Visual verification via 2D and 3D mapping of compiled data
The project encountered multiple challenges in accurately representing stars in 3D, particularly in visualizing their magnitude and brightness with scientific accuracy, rather than merely replicating their appearance from Earth’s perspective. We experimented with various creative approaches and made compromises along the way, balancing scientific precision with visual clarity to create an experience that is both engaging and informative.
Key technical issues involved choosing between 3D objects and particle systems for rendering, adjusting line thickness with distance, and developing a 3D collision detection matrix. Interaction design also presented complexities, such as balancing world space vs. diegetic UI, HUD vs. spatial UI, and prioritizing algorithms for star vs. constellation selection. Various pointer types and navigation methods were tested, including adjusting reticle size for more precise constellation and star selection.
Potential directions for future work include implementing POI-based navigation, enhanced guidance strategies, and refining interactivity to support intuitive exploration and learning. Other possibilities involve advanced visualization techniques, creative interaction and navigation methods, and interactive storytelling. Additional data, such as chemical compositions, stellar ages, evolution stages, and 3D rotational velocities, could further enrich the experience.