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Astronomy’s Gift: Space Wallpaper
January 24th, 2012 by admin
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel across the universe to another galaxy? Imagine being able to soar around the rings of Saturn or survey the plains of Mars. This kind of space travel isn’t even close to becoming a reality…for humans that is.
But machines and their cameras are doing it and have been doing so for decades. Thanks to the Hubble telescope, satellites and the powerful and not so powerful telescopes of both professional and amateur astronomers, the wonders of the heavens are available for all to behold. And what a wonder these images reveal. Objects once fuzzy to view are now brought into clear, ultra-magnified focus. At one time the sun could only be viewed through filtered lenses. Now its secrets are revealed in astonishing detail. So accurate are images of the moon and the planet Mars they are posted right alongside Google Earth and can be explored as only once could be dreamed about. One of the most exciting developments in the field of astronomy is the transformation of this imagery into space wallpaper.
Space wallpaper is the product of taking space images and converting them into digital photographs used for display. This wallpaper can be loaded onto electronic devices, such as computers and cell phones or printed onto actual physical wallpaper. The wallpaper can then be applied to posters, home and building walls and signage. The result is some of the most beautiful and fascinating views ever witnessed.
Earth is a fantastically beautiful place, and pictures from every location have long been a popular display item. But photos of celestial objects and places provide their own kind of wonder that help place the beauty of our planet into a broader context. Views of Earth from space are but one example. Another is comparing images of our planet to those of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and other planets.
Our lunar companion has been a familiar sight to humans since their existence. But none could ever dream of the astonishing revelations brought by orbiting satellites or rovers and astronauts scuttling across its surface. When Pink Floyd produced their hit album “The Dark Side of the Moon” they probably never imagined that one day its face would be revealed and the images available for anybody to view and possess.
The same can almost be said of Mars. Once thought to be crisscrossed with canals because it could only be vaguely observed, modern imagery has not diminished the wonders of the red planet. Rather than man-made canals however, our fascination is with the giant mountains and deep canyons that are found without comparison on our distant neighbor.
Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s mysterious red spot, and countless views beyond the bounds of our solar system are fodder for graphic image designers who continually find new ways to educate and inspire us with the wonders of the universe. Like a gift that keeps on giving, astronomy opens new vistas every day. We can take those gifts and with space wallpaper incorporate them into our everyday lives.