What are the origins of the Earth and the Moon? What is the surface of other planets like? And what did our solar system look like when it was formed 4.6 million years ago? Questions to which science has answers today. However, these scientific findings are mostly based on complex theories and scientific data that arouse little interest in most museum visitors. With the help of computer animation, this gray theory can be transformed into spectacular images and exciting stories.
Scientists worked with 3D artists, writers and producers on the animated films for the Astronomy Center. The focus of our work was exciting storytelling and impressive images that grab the attention of the museum visitor. At the same time, attention was paid to scientific accuracy, so that the concept development always took place in collaboration with scientists.
For the Solid Planets film, our 3D artists created a tracking shot through the largest rift system in the solar system – the 4,000 km long Valles Marineris on planet Mars. With the help of topographical data, it was possible to digitally reproduce part of the enormous rift system. Our artists also created a stunning computer animation of the sun’s surface based on satellite images.
Events in the future or in the past can be reconstructed with computer animation. In addition to scientific research, a good creative vision from the 3D artist is important, for example in the case of events such as the formation of the earth from colliding rocks. These were mainly created with particle systems.
Thanks to the skill and passion of the scientists involved, as well as our 3d artists, we were able to create fascinating images of the universe and make them available to a wider audience.