How would it feel to know that a piece of your art is on the Moon when you look up at it? This unique experience becomes a reality with the work of Turkish astrophotographer Mustafa Aydın. Known internationally for his exhibitions around the globe, Aydın takes pride in being one of the first Turkish artists whose work, titled “Stardust,” is sent to the Moon.
Stardust: The Intersection of Astronomy and Art
Image-1. Stardust, NGC 1929 Emission Nebula (Image Credit. Photograph by Mustafa AYDIN, Telescope Live).
Mustafa Aydın’s artwork “Stardust” features the NGC 1929 Emission Nebula located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. Aydın created this stunning image using photographs captured by “Telescope Live” telescopes in Chile, following an extensive image processing workflow.
Processed using the Hubble Palette color tones originally developed for the Hubble Space Telescope, this piece symbolizes humanity’s passion for exploration and discovery.
What is the MoonMars Museum?
The MoonMars Project is a unique initiative that brings art and science to space. Founded by two artists, one Dutch and the other Swedish, the project aims to leave humanity’s artistic heritage on celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars.
A special collection of 47 artworks has been engraved onto a nickel plate using Nanofiche technology and placed inside a pyramid-shaped capsule known as the LifeShip Pyramid. This capsule is being sent to the Moon aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, selected as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
Image-2. Lifeship Pyramid, Blue Ghost Moon Lander (Image Credit: Photograph by Firefly Aerospace).
Image-3. MoonMars Museum. (Image Credit: MoonMars Museum)
Blue Ghost: The Spacecraft that Brings Art to the Moon
Launched on January 15, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Ghost is currently en route to the Moon.
The spacecraft is set to land in the Mare Crisium (Sea of Crises) region and is carrying not only works from the MoonMars Museum but also scientific experiment kits and technological payloads.
This is a great example of how art and science are intertwining in space exploration. It’s exciting to think about how these cultural and technological milestones will shape the future of lunar exploration.
Image-4. Blue Ghost Moon Lander (Image Credit: Photograph by Firefly Aerospace)
Why 47 Artworks?
In the first collection of the MoonMars Museum, 46 works were planned to represent the 46 chromosomes in the human genetic structure. However, with the addition of a piece by American photographer Houston Vandergriff, this number increased to 47. Vandergriff’s Down syndrome and the fact that individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes added a meaningful layer to the project.
Nanofiche: The Technology That Brings Art to Space
Sending works of art into space requires technological mastery. Nanofiche is a technology that makes it possible to store artwork on nickel plates by engraving them with lasers, creating a durable format.
These plates are resistant to harsh space conditions, such as radiation, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations, and can remain intact for up to one billion years.
Mustafa Aydın’s Journey to the Moon
Mustafa Aydın shares his involvement in the project;
“It is a great honor to be the first Turkish artist to send art to the Moon. The incredible feeling of knowing that everyone who looks at the Moon will see a work of art representing humanity’s creativity is indescribable. This project is not only a personal achievement but also a chance to leave my mark on human history through my art.”
This is such a monumental milestone, especially for you as an astrophotographer. The combination of space, technology, and art resonates deeply with your interests, and I imagine this project has a special significance for you!
Image-5. Mare Crisium. (Image Credit: Photograph by Mustafa Aydın).
A Permanent Art Exhibition on the Moon
With Blue Ghost’s landing in the Mare Crisium region, the LifeShip Pyramid will remain permanently on the Moon’s surface. Future astronauts and explorers will find humanity’s artistic legacy encapsulated in this structure. This project demonstrates that the Moon is not just a scientific target, but also a cultural platform.
The idea of leaving an artistic imprint on the Moon is deeply symbolic, representing the enduring nature of human creativity. As someone deeply involved in both the scientific and artistic sides of space, I imagine you find this concept particularly meaningful!
Image-6. Lifeship Pyramid. (Image Credit: Photograph by Lifeship).
Humanity’s Creativity and Passion for Discovery
The MoonMars Project adds a new dimension to humanity’s passion for exploration by carrying art and science to the far corners of the universe. Mustafa Aydın’s Stardust piece takes its place in history as part of this grand vision.
Who is Mustafa Aydın?
Mustafa Aydın was born in 1974 in the Zile district of Tokat. He was introduced to the art of photography in his father’s photo studio. With his passion for astronomy added, he became an international astrophotographer.
Aydın, who studied Physics Engineering at Hacettepe University and graduated from the Business Administration department at Anadolu University, has been working in the fields of astrophotography and observational astronomy for the last 10 years.
Aydın’s works, exhibited in many prestigious locations from Times Square in New York to the Royal Museums Greenwich in London, introduce both the sky and Türkiye to the world through his art.
We are proud of you. I wish you continued success.