Design Of The Universe: Constructing Deep Space In Photographs

In an historic convergence of art and science, the Hubble Space Telescope began capturing never-before-seen photographs of deep outer space in 1993. Nearly twenty four years later, humans now have access to unprecedented views of the universe from the comfort of their laptops or bookshelves. But what did it take to construct these photographs? How did the boundaries of science and design merge in this epic intellectual endeavor for humanity?

One of the greatest human benefits to come out of NASA’s deep space initiatives has been the intellectual capital and human intrigue gained on an international front. The images produced by the Hubble have inspired a new sense of wonder and awe of the natural world – and an insatiable appetite for knowledge.

“Technology has long served as a handmaiden to both art and science,” pens Owen Edwards in Expanding Universe. In 1990, Hubble set out on its maiden voyage and it was, at the time, the only orbiting telescope with the ability to see visible light. However a glitch in the photographic technology rendered all initial captured images unusable. It took astronauts, scientists, and engineers three years to meticulously fix the problem before Hubble could reveal “with astounding clarity the essence of [the] universe.”

But the initial images sent back to Earth from the telescope were black and white. Scientists used the collected astronomical data captured by the telescope – including infrared light, X rays, and gamma rays – to create the color images seen below.

Scientists worked to ‘layer’ this astronomical information to produce the vibrant colors seen in the photographs, however the “colors aren’t arbitrary, but represent multiple layers of facts,” says Edwards. “Since what we see in these pictures are astronomical facts, the photographs cannot be considered abstract.”

Unlike Photoshopping an image for aesthetic or practical purposes, this photographic reconstruction of the universe is based on factual data, thus blurring the line between design and science in an unconventional, albeit brilliant way.
In a sense, NASA’s endeavors not only push scientific boundaries, but continue to challenge the boundaries between science, technology, and art. And the results are pretty spectacular.

Portrait of a roiling region of star birth

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.