According to NASA scientists, The Oort Cloud is a giant spherical shell surrounding our solar system containing billions, or even trillions of icy comet-like objects and space debris. NASA explains that “though long-period comets observed among the planets are thought to originate in the Oort Cloud, no object has been observed in the distant Oort Cloud itself, leaving it a theoretical concept for the time being. But it remains the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of long-period comets.” 

NASA has sent the spacecraft Voyager 1 to gather images and information. At its current speed of one million miles per day, the spacecraft won’t enter the Oort Cloud for about 300 years. If this is our only source of gathering information on the Oort Cloud, no one currently living will be able to see it. 

This project responds to this invisible astrophysical phenomenon using the 70mm film medium. Through camera-less techniques and the handmade form, this film imagines what the Oort Cloud looks like. The film’s composition aims to reflect Voyager 1’s point of view as it approaches and passes through the cloud and its comet-like objects. The size of 70mm film projection will create pronounced textures and immerse the audience within an imagination of what cannot be seen, while connecting to the invisibility of the medium within independent filmmaking.