  Modern society has led many people to become consumers of data unlike
previous generations. How this shift in the way information is communicated and
received - including in areas of science - and affects perception and
comprehension is still an open question. This study examined one aspect of this
digital age: perceptions of astronomical images and their labels, on mobile
platforms. Participants were n = 2183 respondents to an online survey, and two
focus groups (n = 12 astrophysicists; n = 11 lay public). Online participants
were randomly assigned to 1 of 12 images, and compared two label formats. Focus
groups compared mobile devices and label formats. Results indicated that the
size and quality of the images on the mobile devices affected label
comprehension and engagement. The question label format was significantly
preferred to the fun fact. Results are discussed in terms of effective science
communication using technology.
