Martin Vargic, a space enthusiast, author, and graphic artist hailing from Slovakia, has recently unveiled two incredible infographic posters featuring nearly 1600 exoplanets of various types and sizes. These posters, titled “Icy and Rocky Worlds” and “The Exoplanet Zoo,” showcase Vargic’s passion for astronomy and space exploration.
Since childhood, Vargic has been captivated by the wonders of the universe. At the age of 10, he used his family’s telescope to observe lunar craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Venus’s phases, despite living in an area plagued by light pollution. His fascination with the cosmos only grew stronger over the years, leading him to create intricate artwork that merges scientific data with artistic visualization.
Both infographic posters took Vargic approximately 6-7 months to complete. Working on them simultaneously, he meticulously crafted planetary textures and rendered each exoplanet with precision. Vargic drew inspiration from three prominent public exoplanet databases – The Extrasolar Planet Encyclopaedia, NASA Exoplanet Archive, and ExoKyoto – to ensure accuracy and detail in his illustrations.
The posters offer a comprehensive look at over 1100 known exoplanets, arranged according to the heat they receive from their respective stars. By comparing the sizes and characteristics of these distant worlds, Vargic invites viewers to imagine the diverse landscapes and environments that exist beyond our solar system. Notable exoplanets featured include PSR-B1620-26b, the oldest known exoplanet, and WASP-12b, a searing gas giant with a distinctly warped shape.
Vargic’s attention to detail is evident in the colors used for the gas giant exoplanets, which are based on the Sudarsky Scale. This scale takes into account the chemical composition and temperature of planetary atmospheres, resulting in stunning visual representations of these extraterrestrial bodies. Additionally, Vargic incorporated existing exoplanet illustrations into his work, enhancing the authenticity and scientific accuracy of the posters.
Martin Vargic’s exoplanet infographic posters offer a unique blend of artistry and scientific insight, allowing viewers to embark on a visual journey through the vast expanse of space. With his meticulous attention to detail and passion for space exploration, Vargic continues to inspire curiosity and awe for the mysteries of the cosmos. To view more of Vargic’s work, including high-resolution versions of his infographics, visit his website at halcyonmaps.com.
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