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3D star map mapped onto ceiling and walls

Theodore Holmquist

June 04, 2017 17:34

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Hi,

I am building a 360 fiber optic star field for my home theater.  The stars will be present on the ceiling and each of the four walls.  My goal is to create an accurate representation of the stars on some typical night from my house in Minnesota (a long with interesting features which aren't technically visible to the naked eye, like important stars, messier objects, maybe Tabby's Star, etc.).

I have been able to find 3D star maps mapped to a plane, but I need a 3D star map mapped onto a cube (my ceiling + walls).  I discovered Starry Night 7 and was wondering if this software would be able to help with this?  For example, if it is possible to pick an origin location and then specify different "directional vectors" (5:  1 for the ceiling, 1 for each wall) that would give me 5 2D star maps which I think would give me what I need.

I am also interested in Starry Night because I would also like to get into astronomy and telescopes as well.

If Starry Night can meet these goals (which I think it can), which version would I need?  Also, can I upgrade an existing version to a more advanced version if I later on get a telescope?

Thank you!

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3 comments

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  Theodore Holmquist June 04, 2017 18:34

  I read more through your site and answered my question about whether I can upgrade an existing version to a more advanced version -- you can.  So can ignore that part.

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  Keiron Smith June 05, 2017 16:10

  Hi Theodore, 

  I like your home project.  And would very much like the same kind of starfield on my ceiling at home ;)

  However, I do not understand what you are asking for regarding "if it is possible to pick an origin location and then specify different "directional vectors" (5:  1 for the ceiling, 1 for each wall) that would give me 5 2D star maps which I think would give me what I need."

  Starry Night does not do this be default.  But, also, I would think you need to create a DOME effect even if you are displaying on 5 flat surfaces.  So, I'm curious why you are aiming for 5 flat surfaces instead.

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  Theodore Holmquist June 05, 2017 19:47

  What is a dome effect?  I guess the big thing is I'm trying to figure out how to map the stars onto a ceilings and walls with the least distortion as possible from the point of view of someone standing in the middle of the room.