Galaxy in Glass

Very cool. Accurate astronomical model of the Milky Way laser etched into a glass cube, with the Earth centered in the cube. [Link]

Beyond our solar system

The Milky Way galaxy suspended in a glass cube

Behold: a galaxy suspended in a glass cube.

A laser was used to etch around 80,000 of the stars in the Milky Way, using three-dimensional data from the Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory.

The project the data comes from, 4D2U has some interesting software and visualizations. [Link]

The project's goal is to visualize astronomical data in a way that helps watchers feel as if they are witnessing the unfolding of the universe. "Four dimensions" refer to the three dimensions of space and the one dimension of time embedded in their data. "Digital" refers to computer graphics visualizations of digital data. The resulting acronym is "4D2U", and it is also astronomy's way of saying "4D to you."

The 4D2U project is created by and for astronomers, but it is really a gift to the world.

For astronomers, the goal is to provide a rare 3D view of data to help with research. Unrestricted explorations in 3D are essential tools for understanding modern observational data and computer simulations.

For everyone else, the goal is to present the latest research results in a way that is scientifically accurate, but also fun and easy to understand.

To reach these goals, we have been developing 4D visualization platforms and content in the form of an experimental 4D visualization theater and a library of data visualizations. The data include observations and theoretical models of astronomical objects, and computer simulations of astronomical phenomena. Since the project began in 2001, we have established the fundamental techniques for visualizing these different types of data.

A cool Flash similar to the Powers of 10 film. [Link]