Every star map is a unique blend of science and art, a long-distance voyage, where vision loses itself in the infinite. Each map is a unique experience.
When I created Starmap for iPhones™ and iPads™, it was a totally new user experience. But something was missing ... the beautiful look and feel of paper maps. So, I decided to create maps depicting rigorous astronomy facts in an artistic form.
I am glad to present my first creation... thousand years of comets filling the sky. Real orbits, real comets, in a beautiful dance around the ecliptic.
Frédéric Descamps ▪ Creator of Starmap
These maps are printed on heavy Canson™ paper, with a definition that competes with lithography and engravings. They are highly detailed and have the precision of print atlases used by professional astronomers. Each map is handcrafted by a respected expert renowned for creating fine-art photography exhibits. The quality of inks and paper are museum grade.
The map shows the footprint of all known periodic comets for a millenary, from June 2, 2016 to July 31, 3016. These comets follow elliptical orbits around the Sun and their return can be predicted. Other comets have hyperbolic orbits and will vanish in the depths of the solar system after a single trip around the Sun. These cannot be predicted and are not displayed on the map.
A comet is an amalgamation of rocks, dust particles, frozen gas,and ice. After crossing the orbit of Jupiter, a comet begins to melt. The sunlight starts evaporating the ices, and comet material is ejected to form a tail. Most periodical comets have orbits close to the plane of the Solar system. This plane is called the ecliptic, which corresponds to the path of the Sun in the sky along the year.
Not all comets depicted on the map will be visible with the naked eye. Most will be reachable with simple telescopes. Each orbital track intensity is related to the brightness of its comet and to the size of its tail. The track intensities are related to the observability by astronomers on Earth.
The map referential is in Earth Equatorial Coordinates, and is tilted by an angle of varying from 22°6’ to 24°30’. For this reason, the ecliptic appears as a sine shape on the map.
Cometary orbital parameters are provided by the Minor Planet Center operating at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Calculations methods are supplied by the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeric Computing of Paris.
The maps are available in four standard sizes.
Special sizes are also available on request.
These maps are exclusive piece of art, printed in limited edition. Hundred pieces only. They are identified with serial numbers using an exclusive cypher and relief logo. They are delivered with a certificate, numbered and signed by the author.
Comets
Stars
Galaxies
Nebulae
Colors needs to be carefully adjusted for the paper in order to reach the best rendering. We have worked on many color schemes hoping to match your taste.
However, if none is really of your choice, we can create custom schemes.
The aspect ratio of the map is defined by the mapping projection and cannot be modified. We have prepared for different sizes that should match most needs.
Of course, custom sizes are also available on request.
We can frame the map for you, but only for the smallest size. Larger sizes frames could be achieved, but difficult to ship overseas ... We are based in Berlin, Germany.
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Once you've ordered the map, I will get back to you as soon as possible, work on special requests and define payment and shipping. Payment is best done through Paypal up to a certain amount. The map fabrication process generally takes a week, the time for the ink to dry. Framing takes a little bit longer.
Depending on your location, we will choose together the best shipping method. We are based in Berlin, Germany.
A question ?
Do not hesitate to contact me.
I will answer promptly with all details concerning the map.
We are based in Berlin, Germany. We talk French, English and German.
Google translate does the rest !
