“I kind of want to learn more about it (supercomputers) because the fact that you made something so serious into a comic makes it more interesting.” – Focus group participant (10 years)
Outreach comic about supercomputers and space weather
Finding Floptopia was a collaborative project commissioned by the Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe (PRACE). The comic showcases the Vlasiator project by Minna Palmroth and her team, which uses supercomputing to predict space weather. The comic follows Skye on their journey to understand how space weather affects radio transmissions and whether supercomputers could be used to find new planets. During creation, the comic was reviewed by a focus group of 9-12 year olds.
100
Percent of students interested in learning more about supercomputers after reading the comic (based on 12 member focus group, ages 9-12)
83
Percent of students who felt the tone was a good fit for their age group
Interesting, cool,
Intelligent, inspiring
Words chosen to describe the comic
Plot
After receiving their Grandfather’s old radio for their birthday, Skye stays up late browsing radio frequencies to make contact. Unexpectedly, they make friends with an alien broadcasting from the planet Floptopia. Uncertain whether this miraculous connection was a dream or not, Skye sets off for space camp hoping to solve the mystery. With the help of the enigmatic Dr. Rae, Skye discovers the answers may be within their grasp. A tale that breaks down stereotypes and opens wide the bizzare and wonderful worlds of space weather and supercomputers.
Skye (they/them)
Determined, enthusiastic, obsessed with space
Dr. Enigma Rae (she/her)
Friendly, energetic, nurturing
Motivation
Wants to find out if Floptopia is a real planet
Motivation
Wants to push the forefront of science using supercomputers
Peer Reviewed
The script and final sketches were reviewed by researchers of the University of Helsinki for their accuracy.
Target audience focus group
A prototype of the comic was reviewed by a focus group 9-12 year olds of varying genders, ethnicities and literacy levels. The comic was well received by the group and their feedback was incorporated into the final design.