Atoms to astronomy: Computer graphics at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Abstract

Within the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, state of the art computer graphics animation is done in the Computer Graphics Laboratory. The topics of the animations cover many scientific disciplines. Specific features of the system developed there, both hardware and software, are discussed. The prime mover of the effort is Dr. James F. Blinn of Pasadena; his role and experiences are elaborated. Their current largest project is The Mechanical Universe; the system is used for its production.