Solar System

Generative Art

Javascript
Digital Art
NASA API

In my creative coding class, I explored the vastness of the universe through the lens of generative art, creating an abstract solar system that fuses artistic imagination with astronomical elements. This project is a portrayal of our solar system, represented through an array of shapes, patterns, and animations that breathe life into the cosmic entities.

Design
Concept

The core concept of this project is to encapsulate the solar system's beauty and complexity in an abstract form. The inspiration stems from the intricate dynamics of celestial bodies. Each element in the artwork - from the spiraling sun to the orbiting planets - is a creative interpretation of these cosmic wonders.

Technical Process

| Static Background and Dynamic Sun: Crafting a static background while animating the sun posed a significant challenge. After experimenting with push()/pop() and noLoop()/loop(), I discovered the createGraphics() function through The Coding Train, which allowed me to layer the static and dynamic elements effectively.

| Random Gaussian Lines: To mimic sunlight, I utilized the randomGaussian() function from p5.js, modifying the example to align with my artistic vision.

| Integration with NASA API: A highlight of the project was incorporating live data from NASA's API, visualizing space weather phenomena like Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and Solar Flares (FLR). This involved overcoming data retrieval challenges and formatting date data, for which I sought guidance from sources like Stack Overflow.
Design (Without connecting to API)

Reflection

This project was a journey of discovery and creativity. The process of tweaking code to alter the visual output was particularly fascinating, leading to unexpected and delightful variations in the artwork. The inclusion of live data from NASA added an interactive and educational dimension, bridging art and science in a unique way.

In the next phase, I plan to expand the interactive aspects, possibly incorporating more detailed weather data for each planet. The goal is to create a dynamic, ever-evolving piece that not only represents our solar system but also educates viewers about the intriguing phenomena occurring within it.

Explore More

| Fullscreen Experience: p5.js Editor
| Dive into the Code: p5.js Editor | GitHub Repository
| Visit the Artwork: Abstract Solar System
Final artwork (Screenshot)
PROJECT
CARD GAME
PROJECT