Black Hole Travel Postcards
- Visualizations by:
- Chris Smith
- Written by:
- Jeanette Kazmierczak and
- Chris Smith
- Produced by:
- Chris Smith
- View full credits
Postcard: Event Horizon
See the sights (or lack thereof)! Go past the point of no return! Get stretched into a giant noodle! Your friends will be jealous of your adventures at the event horizon when they receive this postcard. Or, more importantly, if they receive it.
Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Credits
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Animator
- Chris Smith (KBRwyle) [Lead]
Science writer
- Jeanette Kazmierczak (University of Maryland College Park) [Lead]
Writer
- Chris Smith (KBRwyle) [Lead]
Producer
- Chris Smith (KBRwyle) [Lead]
Series
This visualization can be found in the following series:Related pages
Black Hole Week Assets
Feb. 27th, 2022
Read moreThumbnail source The TravelerThis little character can't wait to travel all over the universe, and since they clearly can't be convinced otherwise, we need to help them stay safe. This character is defined by boundless enthusiasm, a bit of naivete, and a childlike love of exploration and discovery. They also prefer being referred to as "they/them."Download a .zip file of all Traveler stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Traveler GIFsDownload a .zip file of all Travler GIFs HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") The Black HoleHonestly, all this black hole wants is to be left alone. But, if that's not possible, it at least hopes that any visitors can keep a safe distance. This character is aloof and a bit too cool for the rest of us, but it's ultimately friendly and willing to help people learn more about black holes.Download a .zip file of all black hole stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") The Black Hole GIFsDownload a .zip file of all black hole GIFs HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Stellar-mass Black Hole BirdsThese little black hole birds are a fun-loving bunch! They're happy to either flit about by themselves or grab a nearby friend for an orbital dance. They also love showing off their plumage in the form of accretion disks or jets.Download a .zip file of all black hole bird stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Stellar-mass Black Hole Birds GIFsDownload a .zip file of all black hole bird GIFs HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Other Black Hole FriendsAn unlikely pair, the baby (stellar-mass) and supermassive black holes enjoy just doing what they do best. For the supermassive black hole, it's being, erm, super massive. The baby loves crying.Download a .zip file of all other black hole friends stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Other StuffFrom rocket ships and galaxies, to space potatoes and unicorns, there's a lot of other stuff out there in the universe of the Traveler and Black Hole Week!Download a .zip file of all other stuff stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Black Hole Week Text TreatmentWhile we could just write out "Black Hole Week," we decided it would be more fun to make the "o" a black hole. Fun fact: If you squished the mass of Mars into a sphere the size of that "o," it would turn into a black hole!Download a .zip file of all text treatment stills HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") Color PaletteThe colors we use are meant to be friendly, accessible, and bright — even though most of our adventures take place in outer space! Our primary colors are blues, purples, and oranges, with a few wild card accent colors thrown in for good measure. Finally, since our black holes are, well, black, we usually depict outer space as a dark or medium purple.Blues (#2c7189, #269cdd, #3eb1ff, #57cdf7, #94d9f7)Purples (#2b2143, #6868af, #a3a3e5)Oranges (#ff900b, #dbac61, #f9d793)Neutrals (#000, #afafaf, #fff)Accents (#9aea83, #f27a66, #41e6da) FontsTo evoke a bold, retro feel, our primary font is Futura PT Bold. Also, we'll often write in all caps or small caps for headings and large labels.For smaller labels, footnotes, and other special cases that call for something lighter or more organic, Coniferous is our alternate font. IIllustrator FilesDownload Rocket Launch Adobe Illustrator file HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as")Download the Traveler Bedroom Adobe Illustrator file HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as")Download the Baby & Supermassive Black Holes Adobe Illustrator file HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as")Download the Other Things Adobe Illustrator file HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as")Download the Traveler & Black Hole Adobe Illustrator file HERE (Right click and select "save linked file as") This page will introduce you to the world, characters, colors, and fonts of Black Hole Week. NASA celebrated Black Hole Week in 2019, 2021 and May, 2022.The world of Black Hole Week is bold, colorful, and a bit retro. It's also populated by a fun bunch of characters, including a little blue explorer (called the "Traveler") and their black hole friends. Below, you'll find tons of helpful images, GIFs, and other materials to get you going if you want to join in!If you are having trouble downloading the ZIP or AI files, please contact Barb Mattson: barb.mattson@nasa.gov Related pages
NASA's Field Guide to Black Holes
April 12th, 2021
Read moreEpisode 1 - Basic Black HolesIf you’re looking to find some black holes, it’s always helpful to know exactly what you’re looking for! To get started on your black hole hunt, first watch this handy video to learn the basics about these strange cosmic objects.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Perfect Little Monsters" from Universal Production MusicWatch this video on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel.Complete transcript available. Episode 2 - Fancy Black HolesOnce you’ve gotten the hang of basic black holes, you might want to search for some fancier ones. That’s great! But, before you do, refer to this convenient chapter to learn just how fancy some black holes can be.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Oh Really" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Episode 3 - Social Black HolesWatching black holes by themselves is fun, but what about ones that like being more social? Some black holes really LOVE to dance with other objects in the universe. Learn more about them by watching this helpful video!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Tango Seduction" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Episode 4 - Social Supermassive Black HolesIt’s not just smaller black holes that have all the fun – really, really massive black holes also enjoy being the center of attention! Watch this chapter to learn more about these giant black holes and all their companions!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Cutesy Forest" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Episode 5 - Black Hole RecordsEven though you’ve learned about basic black holes, and fancy black holes, and social black holes, and giant black holes, there are always stranger things out there! In this final chapter, you can learn about some of the rarest black holes – biggest, smallest, farthest, strangest, and more!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Playground Intrigue" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. A Field Guide to Black Holes BookletThis handy dandy field guide covers basic black hole anatomy, how to find black holes, as well as different black hole types! Never go to space without it! Download the booklet using the links below.Download a printable version here. (When printing double-sided, be sure to flip on the short edge!)Download a web version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Thinking about doing some black hole watching the next time you’re on an intergalactic vacation, but you’re not quite sure where to start? Well, look no further! This series of videos shows you everything you need to know. With topics ranging from basic black holes, to fancy black holes, to giant black holes and their companions, you’ll be more than ready for your next adventure.In addition to the videos, you can also download a printable guide that has even more information.Note: While these videos can be shared in their entirety without permission, their music has been licensed and may not be excised or remixed in other products. Related pages
Black Hole Safety: Desktop & Phone Wallpaper
Sept. 25th, 2019
Read moreWallpaper: Explorer and Black HoleA snapshot of our favorite explorer and its friend(?) the black hole. Available for both desktops and smartphones.Download the desktop version here.Download the smartphone version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Wallpaper: Supermassive black hole and friendsSupermassive black holes love being the center of attention, gathering up a lot of company. Available for both desktops and smartphones.Download the desktop version here.Download the smartphone version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Wallpaper: Looking for black hole birdsBlack holes can be hard to find unless you know what you’re looking for. Available for both desktops and smartphones.Download the desktop version here.Download the smartphone version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Wallpaper: Unicorns and Space PotatoesWhile black holes aren't actually portals to strange and wonderful new places, you can pretend you're there anyway with these wallpapers. Available for desktops and smartphones.Download the desktop version here.Download the smartphone version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Wallpaper: Blast Off!Are you always ready for an adventure? When other people say "dangerous," do you say "vacation"? Download this wallpaper for your next exciting trip. Available for smartphones.Download the smartphone version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center So you’ve planned your trip to a black hole, you’ve packed your bags, and you’ve even watched the pre-flight safety video. If you haven’t yet watched the video, however, we highly recommend you click the image below. Don’t worry, we’ll wait.Now then, want to make black hole travel an even bigger part of your daily life? Wishing that black holes actually WERE portals to dimensions filled with unicorns and space potatoes? Download these phone and desktop wallpapers to fill your screens. Related pages
NASA's Guide To Black Hole Safety
Sept. 23rd, 2019
Read moreSafety VideoThis handy video will help get you oriented before your trip (that we still wish you wouldn't take). Learn more about black holes, how to find them, and how to stay safe on your travels!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Prim and Proper" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available.A Spanish-language is also available below. Vídeo de seguridad Este vídeo es muy útil y te ayudará a orientarte antes de tu viaje (que seguimos deseando que no hagas). Aprende más sobre agujeros negros, cómo encontrarlos y ¡cómo mantenerte seguro cuando viajes a ellos!Créditos: Centro de Vuelo Espacial Goddard de la NASA.Música: "Prim and Proper", de Universal Production Music.Transcripción completa disponible. Safety BrochureAlso found in your spacesuit pocket, this helpful brochure will give you all the tips, tricks, and facts you'll need for your next (inadvisable) black hole vacation! Download the brochure using the links below.Download a printable version here.Download a web version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterA Spanish-language is also available below. Folleto de seguridadTambién encontrarás en el bolsillo de tu traje espacial este útil folleto, que te brindará todos los consejos, trucos y datos que necesitarás para tus próximas (y desaconsejables) ¡vacaciones en un agujero negro! Descárgatelo utilizando los enlaces a continuación:Descarga una versión imprimible aquí.Descarga una versión web aquí.Créditos: Centro de Vuelo Espacial Goddard de la NASA. Black Hole 101: What Is a Black Hole?Want to know more about black holes, but don't have a lot of time? This short video will give you a quick overview of some of the most interesting features of black holes.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Dinner With the Vicar" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Black Hole 101: What a Black Hole is NOTBlack holes ARE physical objects in space, but they are also NOT a lot of things. Watch this short video to learn a bit more about what black holes aren't!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Dinner With the Vicar" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Black Hole 101: How To Find a Black HoleIf you're still convinced that you need to visit a black hole (please don't), you should probably know how to find them. To learn important tips and tricks for finding black holes, watch this short video!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Dinner With the Vicar" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Black Hole 101: Important Safety ConsiderationsIf you're planning on visiting a black hole despite it almost definitely being a bad idea, it's important to know how to stay safe when arriving. This video contains some important safety tips!Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Dinner With the Vicar" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Vignette: Baby and Supermassive Black HolesA supermassive black hole offers a helping hand to a baby (stellar-mass) black hole.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Wanna Be Hipster" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Vignette: Taking a PhotoAn alien explorer encounters a black hole and tries (somewhat unsuccessfully) to take a photo.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Wanna Be Hipster" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Vignette: Back HomeAn alien explorer, back from its trip to a black hole, starts planning future adventures.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterMusic: "Lizards and Lemons" from Universal Production MusicComplete transcript available. Have you ever thought about visiting a black hole? We sure hope not. However, if you're absolutely convinced that a black hole is your ideal vacation spot, watch this video before you blast off to learn more about them and (more importantly) how to stay safe.You can also download a handy safety brochure, watch short clips to learn different things about black holes, and even get some short glimpses into the lives of black holes and the explorers that want to visit them. Related pages