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Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 7 2007, 09:40 PM

I hope this is okay to post here, but I'm an indie filmmaker in Greensboro, NC USA. I'm working on a very unusual film "Outside In" that is an IMAX film being created in my basement studio on desktop computers using a variety of special techniques to create full motion from still photographs.

The film is a giant-screen visual symphony that aims to artistically bridge science and spirituality as it journeys from the big bang to the Cassini-Huygens Mission at Saturn. Much more detail here: http://www.outsideinthemovie.com.

In order for the process to work, I rely on high resolution (at least 4000 X 3000 pixels and preferably larger) images and photo-mosaics. I have created a few of my own but I need many more. The authors of the book "Saturn, A New View" recently supplied 9 of their images and few amateur astro-photographers have donated some of their best shots.

Because I'm just an indie filmmaker still struggling to fund the film and because of the huge number of images involved, I can't pay for images, but you will receive full credit in film and a link off web-site plus tickets or copy of the film when released.

Specific needs ranked in order of need

(1) Any Saturn system objects
(2) Earth & Moon
(3) Mars
(4) Milky Way (need a huge mosaic of this)
(5) Sun
(6) Rest of Solar System
(7) Individual star photos (these obviously can and will be very tiny - I just need many of them

Any and all help with is deeply appreciated and don't hesitate to hit me up with questions etc.

Posted by: CosmicRocker Sep 9 2007, 06:01 AM

stephenv2: I've gone through much of the stuff on your site, and I am impressed. If you can create that kind of apparent 3D from flat images, I think your are on to something. I have got to imagine that there are people here who could contribute images. I am kind of surprised that others have not already jumped into the discussion.

After seeing the animations and imagery, I really liked this quote from your site. "I first read about Saturn and Titan in Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos”. In 2004, Cassini arrived at Saturn barely noticed by the world. Both exulted by the stunning images and disappointed by the lack of interest, I committed to finding a way to make a film that showcased the incredible beauty of Saturn, while exploring the reasons why most people know so little about it."

I can relate to that, and I suspect others here can, too. I wish you luck. You might also want to join the http://ciclops.org/sector6/?js=1, and establish communications with http://ciclops.org/team/iss_team.php?js=1 Carolyn is the lead.

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 9 2007, 06:50 AM

Thanks very much - I appreciate the kind words. I did join the Alliance as soon as it was announced and contacted Ciclops (as well as SSI) and attempted to communicated with Carolyn but they declined to assist because Carolyn in her only communication to me said she viewed my film as competition as she had some previous plan for a Saturn-based IMAX film that funding had fallen through for.

Personally, I think co-operation & collaboration is an excellent thing since I believe we all want much more awareness of what incredible space images people can experience and there is clearly not a glut of Saturn (or even space) IMAX films in theaters.

At some point, I would like to turn over my technology for creating fly-through stuff to someone like the Planetary Society, Ciclops, ESA, JPL, SSI etc. as I think there is much more imagery that would benefit from this but so far, no takers.

Posted by: MouseOnMars Sep 9 2007, 12:55 PM

Maybe there is an uncomfortableness with popularising the space missions ? With treating them like any other subject within the "Noosphere" of media that we live in ? I know some Scientists get frustrated with the way their hard work is misrepresented, and frankly, I can understand that. But how else do people learn about these missions ? I'm all for the lofty spiritual insights and aspirations of people like Sagan, but not everyone has that kind of vision. Shouldn't Cassini images be in pop videos ? On video screens in clubs ? Does that sully the research in any way ? Or is it getting it to the very people who need to know about it ?

MouseOnMars

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 9 2007, 03:22 PM

I think there is tension between the concepts of scientific missions being misrepresented and being totally ignored.

But in my experience based on my friends, family and peers (about less than 1% are space science buffs), I think it's more important than ever to get these images out. They are not incredibly interested in the science details (e.g. Saturn's rotation) but the significant highlights (huge lakes on Titan) are of note. However, almost all of them find the beauty of the images moving. And once they are moved, open to conversations about them.

Just like the 20 or so people who have viewed the earth in full, the reaction and impact of that perspective is something you can't control what people will think or become interested in. But it will have an impact on everyone who views it and it some cases, people will find it life-changing. That's why I think it's worth it.

Posted by: MouseOnMars Sep 9 2007, 03:53 PM

Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. Ever since seeing space images as a child, I have always firmly believed that what the world needs is not more money, or better science (good as that is), or even better politics. What it really needs is new perspectives, viewpoints, different ways of thinking and problem solving. How many situations in the world today are there that have "frozen" up because of a lack of new ideas, or inspiration, hope, context ?

Of course to start showing space images to victims of war, or a famine victim, would be silly and naive. But what about the people desperately trying to formulate ways of helping those people ?

The only obstacle is that it's so easy to gloss over a space image. To glance at an image but not really appreciate the meaning. I guess making that happen is the job of the artist. What to do with an MRO image ? They should be big enough for your needs, right ?

MouseOnMars

Posted by: Paolo Amoroso Sep 9 2007, 04:11 PM

A friend of mine who is a catholic priest is a long time amateur astronomer. He is currently a missionary in an area of Peru where poverty is widespread and resources scarce. Yet he was suprised by the unthusiasm of local people, especially young, for his introductory astronomy talks and observing sessions, in which he also shows space images.


Paolo Amoroso

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 9 2007, 04:22 PM

That's a very good point and why I've been killing myself for three years trying to make this work as an IMAX movie. It is the job of an artist and a hard one at that.

And speaking of MRO, there are some cool things that can be done with those images due to the resolution...

Posted by: MouseOnMars Sep 9 2007, 07:33 PM

This thread also came to mind for some reason. http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=4383&st=0

Yes, I bet you can do things with MRO images ! If you search this forum then you will also find some very large Mars Rover mosaics.

Just to address your post in more detail...

1. Saturn. I am in the middle of http://missionposters.comon DeviantArt that you will be able to buy framed on high quality paper / inks. I mailed Carl Murray about a higher resolution version of the image I'm using, but the CCD limits the size of many of the images. There must be many mosaics out there though.

2. Earth / Moon. I don't think you'd have much problem finding very hi res images of Earth these days. I include some of the more recent Moon scans. I have lost the web address of where I got these from (anyone?). But they are full size @ 4600x4400.

http://www.divshare.com/download/1913032-15e

http://www.divshare.com/download/1913041-5e0

3. Mars. MRO.

4. Milky Way. Hubble ?

5. Sun. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinode ?

7. Using something like Kstars, or Starrynight, and now http://earth.google.com/userguide/v4/ug_sky.html gives good access to these kind of images.


MouseOnMars

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 9 2007, 07:51 PM

Thanks. Per the images, what I'm still missing are:

(1) Saturn - I need as many high resolution as I can get. I literally cannot have to many. Anything over the 1k camera rez is useful

(2) I do have the 4000 pixel class images you mention but I need a few extra high resolution (10,000 pixel+ class images that are ultra-sharp. I have one moon one but focus is quite soft. I have some pretty advanced uprez software but it has limits. My dream is a gigapixel earth image but can't figure how someone would shoot that.

(3) Mars - in the film, no landing or close by Mars. I need some 2 - 4k full/whole planet Mars images (but to be honest, I have not spent much time looking for Mars stuff yet)

(4) Milky Way. I did one reasonable extensive search last year and found nothing except a for-profit company selling a high rez which they decided not to donate (http://home.arcor-online.de/axel.mellinger/).

(5) Sun - I have some Hinode stuff but haven't found any larger mosaics

(7) Thanks - good idea. I have Starry Night Pro and Google Sky and never thought of using them for that (I use them and Celestia for reference material). I need to double check usage licensing on Starry Night

Posted by: Thu Sep 10 2007, 04:28 AM

@stephenv2: Brilliant idea! Although I have made some music clips myself but your work is truly amazing. Will let you know if I can find some stuff in super-hi res.

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 10 2007, 04:37 AM

Thanks much - appreciate the kudos. Any thing you find would be deeply appreciated.

Posted by: Thu Sep 10 2007, 02:50 PM

@stephenv2, I have found something for you:

1. Spizer gallery
http://gallery.spitzer.caltech.edu/Imagegallery/chron.php?cat=Astronomical_Images

Helix Nebula, NGC 7293, NGC7293 High-Resolution (4370x4070): http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/sig07-016.tif
Multiwavelength M81 High-Resolution (3180x2456): http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/sig07-009.tif
Young Stars Emerge from Orion's Head High-Resolution (3086x1711): http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/sig07-006.tif
Pink Pleiades High-Resolution (2400x3000): http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/ssc2007-07b.tif
The Heart of the Rosette High-Resolution (3000x2400): http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/ssc2007-08a.tif
The Seven Sisters Pose for Spitzer: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/ssc2007-07a.tif
Chaos at the Heart of Orion: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/ssc2006-21a.tif
Seeing Stars in Serpens: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/sig06-026.tif
Amazing Andromeda Galaxy: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/sig06-024.tif
A Cauldron of Stars at the Galaxy's Center: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/media_images/ssc2006-02a.tif

2. A panorama from Mars
Jan 12 2004 super high-res horizon from gusev crator.. 13 MB .... printable quality.. 11174 X 1385: http://www.cvc.org/astronomy/mars/horizon_jan12_2004.jpg

3. Next, the Hubble collection
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/entire_collection/

4. And don't forget the 2 Micron All Sky Survey gallery
http://www.ipac.caltech.edu/2mass/gallery/showcase/


Hope that these Super hi-res images can satisfy your hungry need

Posted by: djellison Sep 10 2007, 03:47 PM

That MER mosaic is infact half the full size of Pancam's full res.

This is where the big-guns are : http://pancam.astro.cornell.edu/pancam_instrument/panoramas.html

Doug

Posted by: stephenv2 Sep 10 2007, 05:47 PM

Thu:

Those are some great links - much appreciate them. Excellent stuff. Downloading now.