Due to long distances and extreme heat, you'll probably never get to hold a real star in your hands, but you can come pretty close with NASA's 3D-printed replica of the Homunculus nebula star cloud.
NASA put together it 3D model of the nebula using data that was collected in 2012 by the massive equipment the European Southern Observatory. From there, the data was transformed with a program called Shape. As well as being pretty novel, the model actually helped scientists to better understand the origin of the nebula and allowed them to create a high-res model of the nebula's expansion.
Astrophysicist Theodore Gull notes that "Now anyone with access to a 3-D printer can produce their own version of this incredible object," which is available to download through NASA.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- 3D Printing Modeling
- More industries can benefit from 3D printing technology to build accurate models that aid in understanding complex structures.
- Three-dimensional Data Collection
- Industries can explore the application of 3D technology to collect complex data for analysis and research purposes.
- 3D Printed Replicas
- Businesses can offer customers 3D-printed replicas of complex structures that are both cost-effective and informative.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Aerospace
- Aerospace companies can use 3D printing technology to develop accurate models of complex systems like spacecraft and planetary surfaces.
- Architecture
- Architects can incorporate 3D printing modeling to create accurate models of future building designs to show clients how their finished projects will look like.
- Research
- Research institutions can use 3D printing technology to develop replicas of complex biological, chemical, and physical systems for research and experimentation purposes.
