Making it real: computer graphics and astronomical instrumentation

Andrew McGrath

doi:10.1117/12.670901

23 June 2006 Making it real -- computer graphics and astronomical instrumentation

Andrew McGrath

Proceedings Volume 6271, Modeling, Systems Engineering, and Project Management for Astronomy II; 627118 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.670901
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

Photo-realistic computer graphics software provides a valuable visualisation tool in the development of astronomical instrumentation. The perceived realism can convey a valuable sense of feasibility or unfeasibility of a concept. We here look at POV-Ray, an open-source ray-tracing graphics package that has been in use for several years at the Anglo-Australian Observatory. AAO applications include development of both static images and short movies for detailed visualisations of conceived instruments, production of high-quality images for publication and publicity, rapid generation of illustrative figures and simple geometrical and optical studies.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew McGrath "Making it real -- computer graphics and astronomical instrumentation", Proc. SPIE 6271, Modeling, Systems Engineering, and Project Management for Astronomy II, 627118 (23 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.670901

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