Protostar
This second stage used Niagara Fluids to simulate the formation of a Protostar as the Nebula fades away, using sequencer for frame by frame control.
Iteration #1
This initial simulation created the foundation for the final protostar render, serving as an important first iteration. Whilst it successfully outlines the core structure of a protostar forming, the visual quality at this stage is limited.
This simulation begins quite flat, almost as a 2D appearance, beginning the simulation in a visually unengaging scene, lacking depth. Furthermore, the nebula dissipates from the bottom right with the shape and motion clearly displaying a sphere getting larger, removing the sense of immersion and lack of coherence between the nebula and protostar.
This version revealed several areas of refinement which the future version builds from.
Iteration #2
This second render presents a significant improvement in both visual fidelity and conceptual understanding compared to the initial test. The nebula now dissipates from the centre, introducing a more natural and less predictable pattern.
Additionally, 3D noise was used in the shader to distort the UV’s, driven by values changed within the sequencer. Whilst this artistic decision lacks scientific accuracy, it enhances the visual narrative to make the transfer between stages more engaging and visually interesting.
Despite these notable improvements, these are some clear drawbacks such as the accretion disk forming before the protostar, disrupting the logical progression of this phase and the overall movement of the scene in the latter parts feels jittery and inconsistent.
However, the render ends effectively with the accretion disk dissipating, leaving the protostar to transition into the main sequence, achieving a significant stage forward.
Iteration #3
This final render represents the most refined version of the protostar phase. A notable improvement is the beginning of the sequence shows the gas beginning as a deep purple colour, visually linking the protostar phase pulling in material from the nebula, creating a smooth transition. Whilst not scientifically accurate, this subtle detail serves to guide the players visual understanding of the transformation over time to use in conjunction with the educational tooltips.
Furthermore, a dynamic point light was introduced shifting from red to bright red when the protostar beams eject, and finally to white to represent the high energy force which the protostar is about to release. At this point, the accretion disk is dispersed using a simple trick where an invisible sphere pushes the material around the protostar outwards, creating the illusion of the build-up and release of energy, leaving a sole protostar to transition into a main sequence star. Complimentary Niagara particle systems were layered at this stage, accompanied with several screen shakes throughout the sequence to convey the dramatic force at this stage.
These additions, alongside general polish, high resolutions and improved simulation design and quality led to a far more cinematic representation of protostar formation.