Astro-3D
I created the images and animations in this section with the help of the 3D scripting language Povray. Especially the planetary views are sometimes extremely realistic, but they are not real shots. Only raw data such as surface maps, elevation maps and star positions come from space probes, which were then processed by various organizations - mostly NASA and ESA - and made available for free use by everyone.
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A somewhat outdated set of animations that show our direct, interstellar neighborhood.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