music from space (what does the universe sound like?)

A couple of weeks ago, as a good friend and I were leaving McMaster's planetarium (thanks to her, now a frequent attraction) we discussed the new age-y music that usually plays in the background while we listen to budding physicists and astronomers tell us about the universe and its wonders.

Apparently planetarium soundtracks represent a musical genre of sorts. And – something else I didn't realize – space is not entirely silent. So how do these synth-drenched planetarium sounds actually compare to the music of the cosmos? This short Discovery article, with links to audio/video clips offers a glimpse.

Space Music: Sounds of the Universe

I wonder who choses Mac's planetarium soundtrack and what motivates the choice...