Tom Liggett, a photography student at Arts University Bournemouth, has achieved a remarkable feat by capturing the essence of space using cosmic rays. His innovative approach involves sending blank negative photographic film sealed in a bag to the edge of space using a helium balloon, resulting in unique works of art. This technique, believed to be a world first, utilizes cosmic radiation rather than light to create remarkable patterns on the film. The balloon rises to an astonishing height of 121,000 feet, three times that of a commercial aircraft, before it explodes, sending the bag of film back to Earth. Liggett's curiosity about the impact of radiation on undeveloped film led him to experiment with various sources, including dental and hospital X-rays, before turning his attention to space. He collaborated with a US-based company that specializes in sending objects into space using helium balloons. Liggett's process is remarkably simple: a plastic bag containing a sheet of film is duct-taped down, with no camera involved. The tracking device attached to the package enables the company to locate the film, which Liggett then develops. Despite having low expectations, Liggett's initial experiment yielded surprising results. He discovered patterns on the negative, indicating that he had achieved something unimaginable. Through extensive research, Liggett has deduced that the images are formed by UVC radiation above the ozone layer and cosmic radiation from distant black holes. He believes that this method provides a more accurate representation of space than traditional photography, capturing the actual molecular formula of space. This groundbreaking work challenges conventional photography and opens up new possibilities for artistic expression.
