Islands in Infinity: Galaxies 3D is the first book in the world to present galaxies in a fully three-dimensional format. Combining scientific accuracy with striking visual impact, the work offers a captivating journey across the observable universe.
The authors of the book are Sir Brian May – guitarist of Queen and Doctor of Astrophysics – along with Finnish visual artist and astrophotographer J-P Metsävainio, and Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, one of Europe’s leading galaxy researchers.
The book was published by The London Stereoscopic Company on 13 November 2025 in London.
J-P Metsävainio strengthens his position as one of the world’s leading astrophotographers
Oulu-based J-P Metsävainio has risen among the world’s most renowned astrophotographers. His work has been featured by NASA and National Geographic, and his celestial images have been selected three times for the cover of the Vatican Observatory’s official annual calendar.
Metsävainio has spent decades developing a technique that transforms cosmic structures into scientifically accurate and visually compelling 3D representations. His work reveals the depths of the universe in a way never before possible.
– Seeing galaxies in three dimensions for the first time was astonishing — as if I were holding the universe in my hands, Metsävainio says.
Brian May and J-P Metsävainio continue their groundbreaking collaboration
Beyond being the legendary guitarist of Queen, Brian May is also a Doctor of Astrophysics and a longtime expert in 3D imaging. Islands in Infinity is his and Metsävainio’s second joint publication, following their earlier and highly successful collaboration at the intersection of science and art. Their first book, Cosmic Clouds 3-D: Where Stars Are Born, was published in 2020.
The new book is accompanied by May’s custom-designed stereoscopic viewing device OWL, which brings the images to life in 3D.
A scientific perspective that tells a fascinating story
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson contributes his astronomical expertise and clear narrative voice to the book. He explains the birth, evolution and transformations of galaxies in a way that is both scientifically precise and accessible to general readers.
The work includes more than 200 color images from some of the world’s leading telescopes and over 80 original 3D images, offering a fresh view into the structure of the cosmos — reaching all the way back to the earliest moments after the Big Bang.
Metsävainio’s next major project, Beyond the Sky, is part of the European Capital of Culture Oulu 2026 programme. The music for the work will be composed by Lauri Porra.
Further information:
J-P Metsävainio
+358 40 826 7863
jp.metsavainio@gmail.com
https://astroanarchy.blogspot.com/