Lunar Phases is an independent CGI video art short film mapping a high-resolution lunar orbit sequence as shadows gradually move across the celestial surface. Utilizing physically accurate topographic data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the animation captures the complete lunar cycle from a singular, uninterrupted perspective. This digital installation isolates the natural transitions of light and shadow, serving as a tranquil, geometric study of temporal passage.
Built inside Cinema 4D and processed through the Chaos Corona rendering engine, the project emphasizes realistic material properties and subtle camera techniques. The production pipeline focused on converting scientific height maps and orbit paths into a seamless animation loop that tracks the moon’s actual passage through space. The installation was first featured publicly in the Maakplaats exhibition located in Roermond, the Netherlands.
To study our complete digital pipeline, read our technical breakdown on How to Render a Photorealistic Moon in 3D via the studio research archive. You can support our independent ecosystem by checking out astronomy-focused art prints in the Store or downloading environment assets from our open creator Resource library.
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[1]: Dreams of Blauw are any form of crystallised thought based on honest expression. Sometimes they linger a shade of blue in your after-image.
