The Sol Series
"The Sol Series" is a poster project that was created and exhibited at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign that imagines an innovative humanity in the near-future. As sustainability and reducing our negative impact becomes paramount in society, it is important to look outwards from our homes for potential solutions. Modelling, shading of all works were done in Blender, with post production done in Photoshop.
Sol, or more commonly known as The Sun, is our one and only star in our solar system. In the future, it’s theorized that all species eventually will require such a high amount of energy that they will surround their star with a swarm of solar panels, or a “Dyson Swarm”. A solid shell like I depicted is a “Dyson Sphere” and although it is less stable, makes a more striking image.
Process breakdown
Mercury is both the closest planet to the Sun and extremely abundant in metals. As such, I imagine the planet would be used as a staging ground for construction around the Sun and an industry of mining.
Venus, although the second planet from the Sun, is actually the hottest planet with surface temperatures at a scorching 870 degrees Fahrenheit. However, although not breathable, some scientists believe it is possible to live in the skies of Venus, where the pressure and temperature would be similar to Earth and structures could float freely.
Earth. Despite this imagined world of sustainable settlements across the Solar System, Earth still stands as the perfect cradle for humanity.
The Moon, already being the target for a permanent home for humans today, would be the first step outwards to the universe.
Mars has been the topic of popular media and optimistic companies for the past decade. Although there may not be specific deposits of minerals or a livable atmosphere, Mars would act as a transportation hub thanks to its two moons, lower gravity, and position in the Solar System.
Jupiter would not be possible to physically live on for any sustainable period of time. However, its moons could be a prime place for life if given enough effort in terraforming towards our needs. Jupiter's role would primarily be what it has always been, a silent giant against outside asteroids and pit stops towards the other gas giants.
Saturn is most known for its rings, but is also home to the most moons in the Solar System. One of these moons, Enceladus, is currently being studied for extraterrestrial life. I imagine humanity not only being settled on these worlds, but also in the upper atmosphere no matter how unrealistic.
Uranus, unfortunately, is the most underwhelming place to live. Like Venus and the other gas giants, it's not possible to live on the surface and doesn't have a sustainable temperature due to its distance. However, I'd like to think this monotony would make it perfect for those who just want a quiet and separated life. Perhaps a major population center and sparse communities could make their names here.
Neptune is the furthest planet from the Sun and interestingly, the only one discovered through math before observing it directly. I imagine this trail of further discoveries past the Solar System starts on Neptune, being the staging ground for missions to other stars.