Click here to play in full screen,
or use the window below.

How to Experience This Project
This project offers an immersive experience accessible across multiple platforms:

• Mobile Devices: Touching the screen will reveal invisible thumbsticks for movement; physically turn your phone to look around. Tapping on the screen will make your firefly shine.
For Augmented Reality, tap the AR button to launch the experience in augmented reality.

• Desktop/Laptop: Navigate using the W, A, S, D keys for movement and use the mouse to look around. Use the spacebar or left mouse button to make your firefly shine.

• VR Headsets: Access the project through your VR device's browser. Use your VR controllers' thumbsticks or touchpads to move, and physically turn your head to look around. Press the trigger on the right contoller to make your firefly shine.
On devices that support mixed reality pass-through, the project can be experienced in AR mode with full spatial awareness.

*For optimal performance, use a device and browser that support WebXR.
Performance may vary depending on your device's capabilities.

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Synchronous is an multi-media experience which immerses visitors in a mesmerizing digital simulation, surrounding them with virtual fireflies that flash in unison, echoing the natural phenomenon observed in select environments like Congaree National Park in South Carolina. This project not only highlights the enchanting beauty of synchronous fireflies but also serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the environmental challenges these creatures face.

Synchronous fireflies, particularly the species Photuris frontalis found in Congaree, rely on moist, swamp-like habitats for their life cycle. They thrive in the edges of mature cypress and hardwood swamps, areas characterized by consistent moisture levels. However, climate change poses a significant threat to these environments. Altered weather patterns, including increased temperatures and changes in precipitation, can lead to the drying of these critical habitats, thereby jeopardizing the survival of firefly populations. The National Park Service has noted that climate change is affecting Congaree's weather patterns, impacting how plants grow and animals behave within the park.

It is hoped that through this interactive public art project, people will gain a deeper appreciation of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the profound impact climate change can have on even the most enchanting aspects of our natural world. By immersing participants in the synchronized dance of virtual fireflies, the experience fosters a personal connection to the issue, encouraging reflection and inspiring action toward environmental preservation and climate resilience.



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Here are some additional facts about Photuris Frontalis,
the synchronous firefly species of Congaree National Park:


Photuris frontalis, commonly known as the "Snappy Single Sync," is a species of synchronous firefly renowned for its captivating light displays, particularly observed in Congaree National Park. Here are some intriguing facts about this species and insights into its life cycle:

Synchronous Flashing: Photuris frontalis is one of only three synchronous firefly species in North America. Males emit quick, single flashes approximately every 0.65 seconds, creating a mesmerizing synchronized light show.

Habitat Preferences: This species thrives on the edges of mature cypress and hardwood swamps, as well as bottomlands. They are locally abundant across the southeastern United States and have been observed as far north as Delaware and Maryland.

Mating Displays: The synchronized flashing primarily serves as a mating signal. Males fly low to the ground, emitting their characteristic flashes to attract females, who respond with their own signals to initiate mating.

Life Cycle Timing: Photuris frontalis fireflies emerge from the leaf litter in May each year for their mating season. The synchronized flashing is typically observed for approximately two weeks between mid-May and early June.

Unique Visual Phenomenon: The collective synchronization of their flashes is a naturally occurring example of a chimera state, where both synchrony and asynchrony coexist within the population.

Research and Conservation: Ongoing studies aim to understand the precise mechanisms and purposes behind their synchronized flashing. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats, especially given the growing interest in their displays.



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References