To create these incredible 3D animations, J-P Metsavainio, a Finnish astronomical photographer, used scientific data:
Since the Weather doesn't support new images, I'm publishing some experimental work here.
I have tested a new method to publish my 3D-images as a form of Lenticular prints.
For this technique to work, I need series of images from different angles, in this case 24 images are needed.
Lenticular printing is actually an old technique but in past few years it has become much more sophisticated.
The results can be stunning visually, image plane disappears and object floats in and outside of the frame.
Since astronomical objects are too far away, no real parallax can be imaged. Doe to that, I have developed a method to turn my images to various
3D-formats. My work flow is based on scientific data from the object, distance and the source of ionization are usually known. The different types of
the nebulae has typical structures, pillar like formations must point to the source of ionization, the radiation pressure forms kind of hollow area,
inside of the nebula, around newly born stars, dark nebulae must be at front of the emission ones to show, etc... rest of the missing information is
then replaced with an artistic vision.
The whole process is pretty much like sculpting!

Pelican Nebula in Cygnus
globular cluster NGC 6752
Check out all the other animations
here. It really gives a real depth to the
Universe as we know it.
Credits J-P Metsävainio (Oulu, Finland)
edit on 19-11-2012 by elevenaugust because: (no reason given)