Space

Space

Magic, Illusory and Parallel Worlds

Some artwork (images) inspired by space. Scientific information on the subject, as well as real photos taken by telescopes, can be found here.

Aside from the Multiverse physics theory, much of fantasy and science fiction literature and cinema rests on elements from magic or paranormal realms, often taking place expressly in dissimilar, alternate realities. Consequently, the pictures below represent some fictional alternatives, while other thematic images can be found here.

Space has fascinated human kind for millenniums. The Ancient Babylonians, Sumerians, Mayas, Egyptians and other civilizations all mentioned celestial bodies in one way or another. While the Ancient Greeks and Roman believes the gods of the Pantheon resided on top of the Mount Olympus, they still had stories explaining stellar movement. For example, it was believed that Appollo, brother of Artemis, made the Sun get up each and every day in the East and rising in his immense carriage through the sky settle in the West each night.

All below pictures have been taken by Elena.

An artist's rendition of a planet similar to Jupiter with one of its 64 moons (drawing not to scale). Jupiter is a gaseous giant and the proportion is closer to the that of planet Earth compared to Jupiter. 

Space art. Stellar bodies (a star, albeit not a red giant or hypergiant to judge by the scale of surrounding planets, moons and debris). Background stars, galaxies, comets and intergalactic gas omitted from the illustration. What we once called the physical universe, the universe of ordinary experience, is seen to be only a tiny part of a much greater complex.

Man, and in turn, the earth, the solar system and the entire galaxy of stars, shrink almost to nothing. What we once thought was a long period of time in human affairs is seen to be no more than a fleeting moment. In astronomy a million years is as brief as the tick of a cosmic clock.

"Two things fill my mind with ever new and even greater wonder and reverence, the oftener and the longer I allow my mind to dwell on them – the starry heavens above, and the moral law within me.” (Immanuel Kant)

A spaceship looking for a castle from the Middle Ages. Celestial objects (terrestrial and gaseous planets, asteroids and moons or dwarf planets - depending on interpretation and characteristics).

Spaced out, literally. A timely reunion.

Two star sisters, or close friends, casting spells.

A fictional world with wildly colored marble.

Space travel trough distant starfield - artist's impression. Random darkness.

Depending on one's opinion, black holes may be the most interesting elements in the Cosmos. The mystery continues to fail to be completely understood, despite significant progress with telescopes such as Hubble, Voyager and theoretical advances in knowledge.

Astrophysicists and astrobiologists study the stars and life on them, respectively, while astrologists try to predict people's destinies according to stellar positions (an art, not a science, a pseudoscience at best - i.e. horoscopes, believed at one's own risk).

On the scientific side, complex calculations abound and impressive observatories (such as the one in Chile) allow gazing at spectacular views. Likewise, stargazing has been around for a very long time.

Sky at night in a non-starry location (LoL). Obviously, theoretically it is virtually impossible to look upwards on any part of the planet Earth, and not have a star, however distant above. Nonetheless, these can only be seen under certain circumstances and given appropriate conditions (light pollution, technology, distance, locations, clouds and other atmospheric interference, and so on). 

Another galaxy.

Wallpaper Style Fantasy Drawing.

Elf Ears Flower Pixie.