Week 9 | Space + Art | Quinn Winter

As technology continues to advance we are able to use science, math and art to further explore space. Art has an extremely important role in the exploration of space because it allows us to see and visualize places where the average person has yet to be able to explore. “Space Art” has become a category that is a “modern form of artistic expression that aims to showcase the wonders of our Universe” (The Importance of, 2021). This gives artists a place in the world of science, helping scientists visualize where has yet to be explored, or helping people who have yet to see it for themselves be able to understand the universe's possibilities. Space art is also an extremely useful tool and activity to be used in schools, because while "using elements of art - shale, line, color, texture, value - students make sense of images of planets asteroids, comets and moons, honing observation skills and inspiring question" (Art and the, N.d.).

"The Andromeda Galaxy." Space art allowing
us to visualize the possibilities of the galaxy. 
(The Andromeda Galaxy, N.d.). 

As discussed in lecture, telescopes were invented in the 17th century and allowed for an abundance of more discoveries, helping us further understand the universe. With cities being affected by light and air pollution today, it "drowns out the light from faint objects like galaxies and nebulae and increases brightness of the sky background while viewing faint stars" (What is light, 2022). This makes it so many people don't have the ability to see the amazing astronomy that lies right above them. Combining the skills of science and art, a new interactive telescope sculpture is being created in Melbourne Australia to help people understand and be able to view space from the heart of their city. This telescope works by “using 3-D simulation software that incorporates actual images of space from NASA, along with GPS technology” (Interactive Telescope, 2015). No matter the weather, time of day or location, people can point this telescope into the sky and have access to the insane views of planets and stars that our universe holds and are unavailable to the naked eye. The hope is that this invention can have multiple locations or travel from place to place so plenty of people will have access to it and get to experience it themselves. 

"ENESS," the telescope bringing space to you.
(Murph, 2009).
Professor Vesna also discusses how the Soviet Union launched the first satellite called Sputnik in 1957 (Vesna, Lecture Part 2, 1:54). A polished ball made from aluminum, science, space and art combined to send a beachball size satellite into space and be able to reflect light back to earth even from 175 miles high. Sputnik was the first successful attempt at this, starting the Space Race to begin worldwide. The U.S. felt extremely behind after watching this and “increased funding for education at all levels,...with the focus on scientific and technical education” (Powell, 2007). The government put more money into education to increase math, science and art levels to catch up in their race to space. 

The Sputnik Satellite. 
(Thiessen, 2018). 
Sources:

Art and the Cosmic Connection. N.d. NASA. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/art-the-cosmic-connection/


Interactive Telescope Culture Combines Science and Art. 2015. Universe Today. https://www.universetoday.com/29561/interactive-telescope-sculpture-combines-science-and-art/


Murph, D. 2009. ENESS Humble Telescope brings space to you, your ego down a notch. Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-31-eness-humble-telescope-brings-space-to-you-your-ego-down-a-notc.html


Powell, A. 2007. How Sputnik changed U.S. education. The Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/10/how-sputnik-changed-u-s-education/


The Andromeda Galaxy. N.d. Art.com. https://www.art.com/products/p20689738887-sa-i7304374/stocktrek-images-the-andromeda-galaxy.htm?upi=PJ3HEC0&PODConfigID=4990699&sOrigID=1849


The Importance of Space Art in Science. 2021. On Mars. 

https://www.onmars.art/blog/the-importance-of-space-art-in-science?categoryId=4363


Thiessen, M. 2018. Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite placed in orbit around Earth. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/news-sputnik-world-space-week-soviet-union-russia


What is light pollution and how does it affect views through my telescope? 2022. Celestron. https://www.celestron.com/blogs/knowledgebase/what-is-light-pollution-and-how-does-it-affect-views-through-my-telescope






Comments

  1. Ale KahoMay 15, 2023 at 2:37 PM

    It's incredible how math, physics, and art can all work together to explore space. Even though we can't travel into space, space art allows us to glimpse and comprehend the wonders of the cosmos. We can view stars and planets with interactive telescopes in urban areas, despite light pollution. It's an incredible way to explore space!

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