JUUSmedia

Fifty Years of Exploration

// October 13th, 2009 // Comments // Inspiration

Science and art can often be found together, whether it be mapping the stars or when looking at strands of DNA there can be endless ways to look at art from a scientific perspective.

For me, when I stumbled upon this image I was taken back to when I was younger, looking at images of the planets and our solar system, thinking about how far our galaxy reaches and what other life forms (if any) also exist. I’ve always had a fascination with space and the statistics that we were taught about growing up. How far each planet is, how big each planet is in relation the list goes on.

This image taken from the National Geographic website fascinates me in the same way that I was as a child. I love looking at the detail, following the lines and working out each destination of every mission.

To see the hi-res image click here.

More details from National Geographic:

The first attempts to reach Mars (1960) and Venus (1961) failed, yet triumph followed quickly. Of nearly 200 solar, lunar, and interplanetary missions depicted on this map, most have been Earth’s closet neighbours. As rocketry, navigation, and imaging have become ever more capable and reliable, the planets and many of their moons have been examined in detail. The New Horizons mission to Pluto is under way, as is the MESSENGER mission to Mercury. Others not yet launched, perhaps not yet dreamed, await.

- Jason

10 Amazing Sci-Fi Space Film Posters

// May 2nd, 2009 // Comments // Inspiration

Films are a hugely important inspiration piece for me as I’m an avid film watcher and have always wanted to try my hand at film-making myself. But whats often forgotten are the posters that accompany the films. These along with their respective trailers are what draw an audience, what captures the eye and builds the interest.

I wanted to be able to focus on particluar genres/categories each week so starting today I present to you some of my favourite sci-fi outer space posters!

Sunshine - 2007: Not a critically acclaimed film by any means but I love the sense of heat and solitude that this poster provides.

Alien - 1979: A classic take on the simplistic yet unknown alien threat. Brilliant design can come from a minimal idea.

Aliens - 1986: The classic 80's style illustration poster beautifully capturing a climactic point in the film. Also wanted to note the contrasting styles of the first and second film and how they relate to the actual styles of filmaking in both. Alien being a very cold mysterious thriller while Aliens a gung-ho action flick.

2001 A Space Odyssey - 1968: A classic poster for a classic film. Why not show off some of your best visuals on the poster, after all the film was made pre Star Wars special effects and its just one of the reasons to get you interested in seeing this film.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - 1979: I'm not the biggest Star Trek fan out there but some of the artwork for the earlier films wee stunning. Unfortunately they seemed to get cheesier and more 'made for tv' as they went on.

Moon - 2009: Ok I cheated a little, haven't even seen this film yet. In fact it isn't even OUT yet.

Zathura - 2005: Space isn't all glood and doom as advertised in "Zathura's" bright, colourful imagery and kids that just want to explore!

Apollo 13 - 1995: They say an image speaks a thousand words. Tom Hanks aptly proves this point in Ron Howard's gripping space flick about the failed mission to the moon.

Forbidden Planet - 1956: I should really have added more than just one of these from the classic days of space horror, but this is one of my favourites.

The Empire Strikes Back - 1980: I had to put a Star Wars film in here somewhere but I was just not sure which one as there's a ton of decent artwork.

So there ya go, and thats just a small handful of posters. I’m sure I’ve missed out quite a few, what others would you recommend?

- Jason