Modern computation generates data -- lots and lots of data. Obtaining scientific knowledge from the results requires synthesizing vast datasets into fundamental understanding. A single image is unrivaled in its ability to produce not only insight but also beauty, revealing as a distillate what otherwise remains impenetrably hidden: 'a picture is worth a thousand terabytes.'

In visualization many aesthetic choices must be made. While an image from a computer simulation or a vast dataset can be functional, it can also be aesthetic. Astrophysics is a discipline rich in natural beauty, from planets and stars to galaxies and the large-scale structure of the Universe.

This project is dedicated to the most arresting, most captivating, and most pioneering visualization efforts in computational astrophysics. The hope is to inspire and motivate work beyond the functional, and to capture the evolving language of design within the context of our humble corner of space.

Have a suggestion or an amazing example? Suggestions are always welcome.

Dylan Nelson

luminous blue variable

A visualization of the turbulent envelope of a luminous blue variable star surrounding the central high-density core. Many turbulent structures resulting from convection around the iron opacity peak region are visible, while density is highest at the star’s core. At larger distances low-density winds are launched from near the surface.

Methods: Athena++ code

date added Feb. 20, 2019

categories 3d, stellar

author Joseph Insley

origin ANL website