Tom Liggett, a photography student from the Arts University Bournemouth in the U.K., recently embarked on an incredible project called HELIOS. He aimed to capture the invisible energy of space by sending a piece of film high into the sky. On April 19, he launched multiple weather balloons equipped with 5×4 color negatives to over 121,000 feet—far above where airplanes fly.
Instead of using a traditional camera, Liggett placed the film inside a plastic bag. This bag protected the film while allowing it to be exposed to cosmic radiation—a fascinating experiment in analog photography. “I wanted to see what would happen if I exposed film to space’s energies,” he shared.
Working with a group called Filmed in Space, he sent the film skyward, where it interacted directly with various types of radiation. He explains, “As the balloon rose, the film was constantly exposed to altitude and radiation. It wasn’t just instant images; it was a collection of moments over time.” This method recorded not just visuals but data from cosmic particles.
On reaching its peak height, the balloon burst unexpectedly, sending the payload hurtling back to Earth. Liggett was stunned by the results. Instead of just a few random spots, he received a striking image filled with vibrant colors and abstract patterns, reflecting energies from across the Universe. “I was prepared for a blank image or a speck of dust, but I got something much richer,” he said.
The exposure primarily captured cosmic radiation and muons—tiny particles created in the atmosphere by cosmic rays. The unique yellow bloom at the top of the image occurred when a tree pierced the bag during descent. This unplanned event added an unexpected artistic touch to the final result.
According to Liggett, the film serves as a new representation of space. “I believe it captures the molecular essence of the Universe, more accurately than a standard photograph,” he told the BBC.
This innovative project resonates with trends in science and art that explore the boundaries of our understanding of space. In a world where technology often dominates, Liggett’s analog approach offers a refreshing perspective. Recently, similar experiments have gained popularity on social media, inspiring others to explore the cosmos creatively.
For more of Tom Liggett’s work, check out his [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tomliggett_/) or visit his [website](https://www.tomliggett.co.uk/).
Source link
cosmic,experiment,highaltitude,negative,radiation,space,student
