Photographer Charles Morgan Smith has created an art-meets-science series that will satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts and sublime photography nerds alike.
Titled "Parallel Cosmologies," the project explores how various science fiction franchises depict the cosmos. From "Star Trek" to "Alien," the collection of astrophotographs features a gorgeous display of desolate starscapes and bold constellations that harken back to our favorite imagined universes.
Beta Quadrant, Star Trek
Smith, whose own favorite sci-fi masterpieces include "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Battlestar Galactica," sought to bring together an alternative view of space sourced from our favorite pop culture films, that stand in contrast to the representations we gather from NASA and elsewhere. He searched through both contemporary and vintage works, all set in space, photographing the various ways directors see the stars.
"I am interested in representations of theories that are hypothesized in science that are beyond our own present technological capabilities; from warp speed travel to the effects of black holes," Smith explained in an email to The Huffington Post. "Fundamentally, however, this series follows on from my childhood interest in space and the wonder I experienced when contemplating the cosmos and the vastness of the Universe, an interest catalyzed by Star Trek, Stargate and the original Star Wars trilogy."
Scroll through the images below and let us know your thoughts on Smith's project in the comments.
Viltvodle VI, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Thedus, Alien
LV-223, Prometheus
Beta Quadrant, Star Trek
Bothan Border, Mid RIm, Star Wars
Milky Way, 2001: A Space Odyssey
Magrethea, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Deep Core, Star Wars
Helios Alpha System, Battlestar Galactica
Thedus, Alien
Beta Quadrant, Star Trek