Generally, visual elements such as pictures and videos are better for conveying information. However, on their own the messages that these elements can communicate may be limited. It is therefore important to combine them with text. One of the drawbacks of plain text is that it relies solely on one’s imagination to effectively picture and understand the message. NASA’s Voyagers have allowed mankind to gain a deeper understanding of the universe. On its website, this organization provides a video which sheds light on the remarkable findings that the Voyagers are sending back to earth. NASA also offers a plain text overview of the insights that have been gained from the Voyagers. Combined with the video, the text enables one to fully grasp the depth and significance of the insights that mankind is gaining thanks to the Voyagers.
The universe is rather complex and awe-inspiring. For one to understand its complexities, a vivid and powerful imagination is needed. The plain-text article that NASA shares attempts to describe the universe. The universe is presented as “bubbly.” This article leaves it to the imagination of readers to create impressions of a bubbly universe. The video spares individuals the need to imagine since it presents the universe in all its glory. As the video begins, viewers are shown a large expanse that is filled with stars and planets. There is no question that the video is far more effective in presenting the universe. It engages one’s visual senses and allows them to understand the tremendous extent of the universe.
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One of the insights shared in the article is that the sun’s magnetic field is responsible for the bubbly appearance of the space. The description of space as a “bubbly” expanse only goes so far in enabling readers to form mental impressions. The video fills the gap that the text is unable to. In the video, a proper explanation of the interaction of the sun’s magnetic field with other forces in the universe is offered. Thanks to this vivid explanation, one is able to fully grasp the origins of the bubbly profile of space. NASA’s decision to accompany the text with the video was clearly wise and effective. This is because the video echoes the message of the text in a more vivid, interactive and engaging fashion.
For the most part, the article describes space as “bubbly.” However, in an apparent effort to provide a more vivid and deeper description, it also describes space as “foamy”. There was clear effort on the part of the article’s author to describe the space in terms of items that readers are familiar with. However, as is the case with the “bubbly” description, the term “foamy” does not do justice to the true appearance of space. The video steps in to offer a better representation of space. In the video, the narrator also describes the heliosheath as composed of a “bubbly frothy outer layer.” Accompanying this description is a visual representation. This representation eliminates the ambiguities and vagueness of the terms used to describe the heliosheath. Overall, the video underscores the critical role that visual elements play in conveying messages.
One of the important issues that both the video and the article addressed is the threat that cosmic rays pose to human life. In the article, it is pointed out that the magnetic bubbles shield earth and other planets against the deadly cosmic rays. The video complements this message. It shows how cosmic rays interact with the heliosheath. Basically, the video shows how the heliosheath forms a buffer that prevents the cosmic rays from penetrating through and causing havoc. As pointed out above, the decision to accompany the article with the video was wise. The combination of the article and the video shows how visual elements can be used to magnify and amplify a message.
