Wanderers is a spectacular re-imagining of human space exploration with Carl Sagan’s stellar inspiration

A FILMMAKER has combined real data and images from space exploration into a jaw-dropping short film to show what life in outer space will really be like.

SCIENCE fiction doesn’t do space justice. A new short film combines what we actually know with Carl Sagan’s vision of reaching for the stars — with awe-inspiring results.

“Maybe it’s a little early. Maybe the time is not quite yet. But those other worlds — promising untold opportunities — beckon. Silently, they orbit the Sun, waiting.”

Astrophysicist Carl Sagan’s words are emotive enough in themselves. Can such prose be conveyed in moving pictures?

Ever since 2001: A Space Odyssey wowed audiences in 1968, movie makers have been striving to capture the awe-inspiring romance of space — with mixed results.

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Their sedentary life has left us ... edgy. Unfulfilled.

Few have managed to tickle the goosebumps like this one.

Source: Erik Wernquist

This short film, Wanderers, combines the vision of Swedish digital artist Erik Wernquist with Sagan’s amazing way with words.

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The result is four minutes of stunningly beautiful footage, a majestic vision of humanity’s quest for the stars.

Source: Erik Wernquist

It works so well because this IS our solar system. It is not a flight of fantasy.

It is a vision of humanity extending its reach to our nearest neighbours based on real data, footage and photos from the past 50 years of space exploration.

Source: Erik Wernquist

It takes us on a journey from our prehistoric nomadic past to a (hopefully) not too distant future where humanity dares to visit other worlds.

All the old favourites are there, in living — physically correct — detail. Jupiter and its Great Red Spot. Saturn with its ethereal rings. The geysers of Enceladus.

Source: Erik Wernquist

But it also dares to envision humanity’s footprints, such as a colony on Mars.

It is all brought so tantalisingly close by the late Sagan’s powerful narration of parts of his own book, Pale Blue Dot.

Source: Erik Wernquist

A detailed explanation of Wernquist’s thoughts and inspiration can be viewed at his blog. Here he details each scene, and the scientific basis of his vision.

Released shortly before NASA once again tentatively takes its first steps back towards manned space flight with the test launch of the Orion capsule, it is certainly set to inspire.

Source: Erik Wernquist

Though realistic, can we turn it into reality?

Carl Sagan himself turns to a famous quote to express his hope:

“I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas ...” - Moby Dick.

Do you crave a still more glorious dawn?

@JamieSeidel

Originally published as Wanderers is a spectacular re-imagining of human space exploration with Carl Sagan’s stellar inspiration