19 - A Method of Expression of Space Phenomena with CG Animation: the Collision of the Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in July 1994

Abstract

This chapter discusses a method of expression of space phenomena with CG animation. Several CG animations have been devoted to the study of space. Among them, the most impressive one is that made by NASA-JPL when the artificial satellite Voyager 2 passed near Saturn. However, most of the CG animation of space seen in pavilions of Expo or on a television often lack scientific correctness. In July 1994, a surprising astronomical event happened, which was a collision of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter. Many observations of this comet by astronomers were reported. The behavior of the comet was analyzed, predicted and simulated using these observations. Although a simple CG animation was created for each analyzing result, the whole behavior of the comet could not be explained. The purpose of the CG animation presented in this chapter is to introduce this precious space event mainly to nonspecialists. The chapter describes scientific facts about a comet colliding with Jupiter. The necessary elements for the visualization of this event are discussed. The data and the information used in CG is also elaborated.