Where telescopes cannot (yet) see - the Moon as seen by Scriven Bolton, Etienne Trouvelot, Lucien Rudaux, Chesley Bonestell

TL;DR

This paper highlights the importance of space-art and scientific illustrations in visualizing astronomical views beyond Earth, emphasizing their scientific, artistic, and social significance.

Contribution

It pays homage to pioneering space-artists and discusses the role of artistic representations in advancing scientific understanding and public engagement with astronomy.

Findings

Space-art influences scientific perception of celestial bodies.

Artistic depictions shape public interest in space exploration.

Historical illustrations provide insights into astronomical imagination.

Abstract

Scientific illustrations, thanks to the vision of great artists fascinated by astronomical research and astronautics, have provided us with an accurate depiction of the possible views which mankind will one day observed from locations other than our planet. In this talk I will pay homage to some of these geniuses who serve science, and underline the scientific, artistic, political, and social implications deriving from a wise use of space-art.