Astro-3D

Planets + Moons

Background-Informations

Short Explanation on how 3D models of celestial bodies can be generated using two high-resolution maps. In addition to the maps, you also need a 3D software like Povray, and admittedly a little experience in programming.

Moon - First Results

A handful of pictures and videos that accrued during the familiarization with the topics Povray and Spherical Heightfields. All of them show the front side of the moon, probably sharper and clearer than amateur astronomers can photograph it.

Moon - Dark Side

Pictures, videos and maps of the dark side of the Moon. Although it has hardly any large mare to offer, it is dotted with countless large and small craters, whose shadows cast at the selected position of the sun are just as impressive as corresponding areas on the fore side.

Mars

First attempts with high-resolution maps of the planet Mars to generate images and videos from the planet. I can already present a few results, others are in the works.
Stars + Interstellar

Starfield-Animations from 2018

A somewhat outdated set of animations that show our direct, interstellar neighborhood. Those were my first attempts to use Povray to render stars.
New + updated pages

Starfield-Animations from 2018

Published at 11.12.2025

Mars Renderings

Published at 09.10.2025

Moon-Renderings - Dark Side

Published at 02.06.2025

Moon-Renderings - First Results

Updated at 15.03.2025: Two new videos added

Rendering - Background

Published at 10.03.2025