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Heavy Metal Stars Landscape Poster | Reticulum II Galaxy NASA Astronomy Print Space Photography Wall Art

Heavy Metal Stars Landscape Poster | Reticulum II Galaxy NASA Astronomy Print Space Photography Wall Art

Regular price $10.99 USD
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Bring the farthest reaches of the cosmos into your home with the Heavy Metal Stars Landscape Poster | Reticulum II Galaxy NASA Astronomy Print. This stunning piece features authentic NASA photography of Reticulum II, an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way that has captivated astrophysicists with its unusually high concentration of heavy elements forged in the universe's most violent events. The image reveals a hauntingly beautiful scatter of ancient stars suspended against the velvet black of deep space — a real window into one of the most chemically extraordinary stellar populations ever discovered.

Presented in a cinematic landscape orientation, this print transforms any wall into a gateway to the deep universe. The fine grain of distant starfields and the subtle luminosity of Reticulum II's stellar members create a composition that is both scientifically profound and visually mesmerizing. Whether displayed in a living room, study, home office, or observatory-themed space, this piece commands attention and inspires wonder at the scale and mystery of the cosmos.

Why You'll Love It:

  • Authentic NASA Imagery: This is a genuine photograph sourced from NASA — real space photography carefully restored and upscaled for large-format fine art printing.
  • Fascinating Cosmic Subject: Reticulum II is an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy discovered in 2015, believed to contain stars enriched by a single neutron star merger — one of the rare cosmic events that forges gold, platinum, and other heavy elements.
  • Landscape Composition: The wide format captures the expansive starfield in breathtaking detail, giving the image a panoramic, immersive presence on your wall.
  • Conversation Starter: Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, physics lovers, educators, and anyone drawn to the profound beauty of the universe's deep history.
  • Museum-Quality Production: Printed on archival matte paper with pigment inks for crisp detail, rich blacks, and long-lasting color fidelity.

About the Image:

Reticulum II is a tiny, ancient galaxy located roughly 100,000 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Reticulum. Despite containing only a few thousand stars, it punches far above its weight scientifically. Researchers found that several of its stars are loaded with r-process elements — heavy metals like europium and barium that can only be created in extreme astrophysical events such as neutron star collisions. This made Reticulum II one of the first galaxies to provide direct evidence linking neutron star mergers to the origin of the heaviest elements in the periodic table. The name "Heavy Metal Stars" refers to this extraordinary chemical signature, a cosmic fingerprint of cataclysmic violence preserved in the quiet light of ancient suns. Learn more about this remarkable galaxy at Reticulum II on Wikipedia and explore NASA's galaxy research at NASA Astrophysics.

Print & Frame Details:

  • Museum-quality 189 gsm matte paper with archival pigment inks
  • Framed options: 0.75" Ayous wood frame in black, white, or natural with lightweight Acrylite front
  • Hanging hardware included on framed prints
  • Available sizes: 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 12x18, 16x20, 18x24, 24x36 inches
  • Printed to order to reduce waste and ensure a fresh, clean print every time

From the studio at Swell Scenes, this art piece is crafted with a reverence for the cosmos and a commitment to bringing real space photography to life as fine art. Each print is an invitation to look up, look deeper, and let the universe inspire you. Hang it in your space and let the starlight of a distant galaxy transform your everyday surroundings.


About Swell Scenes

Swell Scenes is a modern art brand creating bold, museum-quality prints that celebrate the places and phenomena people find most awe-inspiring — from iconic coastlines and vibrant cities to the deepest reaches of outer space. Our NASA Space Prints collection features authentic photography sourced from NASA missions and observatories, carefully restored and upscaled for large-format wall art. Printed on archival materials and available framed or unframed, each piece is designed to elevate everyday spaces while fostering a deeper connection to science, exploration, and the boundless beauty of the universe.

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Personalized NASA Print

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Pick any date that matters — a birthday, an anniversary, the day you met — and see the real Hubble Space Telescope image captured that day. Personalize it with your own text and make it a museum-quality print.

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  • As Seen On

Framed artwork with a floating frame canvas option on a white wall.

Framed Floating Canvases

Our floating framed canvas prints offer superior quality and the ultimate elegant look at an affordable price.

Three framed artworks with frame color options displayed on a white background.

Wood Frames

Our Ayous wood frames are lightweight, durable, and available in three colors. These frames are classic and classy.

Person assembling a poster with a Humboldt Redwoods design on a wooden table.

Museum-Quality Prints

Our posters are printed on thick matte paper using a multicolor, water-based inkjet printer that makes for brilliant colors.

FAQs

What are the shipping costs?

We offer flat-rate shipping based on size and format. Unframed prints start at $6.99 (large 20×30 and 24×36 unframed: $8.99). Framed prints and floating canvas ship for $15.99. Large framed prints (20×30 or 24×36 with a glass-front frame) ship for $34.99. Multiple items in one order add shipping together. Free shipping on US orders of 3+ items. See our Shipping Policy for full details.

How long does it take to receive my order?

Most orders are printed, framed, and shipped within 3–4 business days. Delivery usually takes about a week depending on your location.

Are the prints ready to hang?

Framed prints arrive ready to hang with hardware already installed. Unframed prints are rolled and shipped in a sturdy tube for protection.

What kind of paper do you use?

Each print is made on museum-quality, thick matte paper with archival inks for rich color and lasting quality.

Can I get a custom size or frame color?

We currently offer a curated range of standard sizes and frame colors to ensure perfect quality and fit. If you need a specific size, reach out — we may be able to help.

Will the colors look the same in person?

Yes, but slight variations can occur due to monitor calibration and lighting. Each print is color-checked before shipping to match the artist’s original design.

Where are the prints made?

All Swell Scenes artwork is printed and framed in the U.S. using trusted print partners who specialize in fine art reproduction.

What is Acrylite and why do you use it?

Acrylite is a crystal-clear acrylic that protects your artwork like glass but is lighter, more durable, and shatter-resistant — perfect for home or gallery walls.

Do the prints come signed or numbered?

Our open-edition prints are not numbered, but each piece is part of our exclusive Swell Scenes collection and designed by our in-house artists.

Do you offer returns or replacements?

Yes. If your order arrives damaged or defective, we’ll replace it at no cost. Just contact us within 14 days with photos and your order number.