NGC 7329 Barred Spiral Galaxy in Tucana

This stellar whirlpool is a spiral galaxy named NCG 7329, which has been imaged by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). Creating a colourful image such as this one using a telescope such as Hubble is not as straightforward as pointing and clicking a camera. Commercial cameras will typically try to collect as much light of all visible wavelengths as they can, in order to create the most vibrant images possible. In contrast, raw images collected by Hubble are always monochromatic, because astronomers typically want to capture very specific ranges of wavelengths of light at any time, in order to do the best, most accurate science possible. In order to control which wavelengths of light will be collected, Hubble’s cameras are equipped with a wide variety of filters, which only allow certain wavelengths of light to reach the cameras’ CCDs (a CCD is a camera’s light sensor — phone cameras also have CCDs!).  How are the colourful Hubble images possible given that the raw Hubble images are monochromatic? This is accomplished by combining multiple different observations of the same object, obtained using different filters. This image, for example, was processed from Hubble observations made using four different filters, each of which spans a different region of the light spectrum, from the ultraviolet to optical and infrared. Specialised image processors and artists can make informed judgements about which optical colours best correspond to each filter used. They can then colour the images taken using that filter accordingly. Finally, the images taken with different filters are stacked together, and voila! The colourful image of a distant galaxy is complete, with colours as representative of reality as possible.

I take great pride in my images, so I want to make sure my customers are getting the highest quality products possible. My high resolution images are printed by some of the largest and most respected print fulfillment companies in the world, using professional grade printers on museum quality archival (acid-free) papers and canvases. Metal prints are printed on high gloss aluminum sheets, and are durable, light weight, and waterproof. Unframed prints ship in durable cardboard tubes, while framed and metal prints ship in flat boxes. Your professionally assembled custom fine art is usually ready to ship in 5-7 business days.

Custom Wall Art Options

Just because you don't see it here, doesn't mean you can't have it the way you want it! I'm constantly adding new print options, frames, and mats. If you're looking for a particular frame or print material, custom size or crop, or even advice on what kind of print would look good in your space, just contact me, and I'll do my best to help you meet your needs.

Framed Prints

Framed prints are professionally mounted and assembled by expert framing staff and arrive "ready-to-hang" with pre-attached hanging wire, mounting hooks, and nails. High-grade acrylic is used for glazing, which won't break in shipping. Frames are available to us at wholesale prices, which are typically 25-40% less than retail framing shops. If you're planning on framing a fine art print anyway, why not get it done professionally for less?

Canvas Prints

Add style and personality to any room with this fine art canvas print. Images are printed on premium canvas and mounted on 1.5" wooden stretcher bars. Wrap options include solid color (white or black), natural wrap, or mirrored wrap. Rolled canvas is an alternate option, and includes a 2.5" white border to allow for future mounting. Shipped to your door ready to hang, with pre-attached hanging wire or sawtooth hanger.

Metal Prints

Hang a modern work of art on your wall, with these stylish metal prints. A high gloss finish adds depth and boldness to colors printed on a 1/16" thick sheet of aluminum. A hanging plate is attached to the back, to float the print 1/2"-3/4" from the wall, and rubber bumpers on all four corners stabilize the print when hung. These amazing lightweight prints are durable and even water proof!