Scientific Visualization, Animation and Illustration

Visualization is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of man. Examples from history include cave paintings, Egyptian hieroglyphs, Greek geometry, and Leonardo da Vinci's revolutionary methods of technical drawing for engineering and scientific purposes. [wikipedia]

The National Science Foundation (NSF) along with the journal Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) now sponsor an annual challenge to recognize visualizations that "intrigue, explain and educate".

"Breakthroughs in science and engineering are often portrayed in movies and literature as 'ah-ha!' moments. What these artists and communicators have given us are similar experiences, showing us how bats fly or how nicotine becomes physically addictive," said Jeff Nesbit, director of NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. "We look at their visualizations, and we understand."

This is a great place to post your explorations of the nexus between science and art -- especially visual science storytelling.