A new mini-series on the intersection of real science and creative design in world-building begins this week. It focuses on the concept of chromatic aberration, a real optical effect where light splits into different colors as it bends, creating glowing edges in photographs. In *Strange Planets*, this concept is creatively adapted; atmospheric conditions, magnetic fields, and crystalline dust cause scattering of red, green, and blue light, making the planet appear as though it is a broken prism. From orbit, players can observe a subtle color drift, while on the surface, different objects refract light uniquely, resulting in an alien and vibrant environment. This detail enhances the immersive experience, contributing to the distinct feeling of being in a living, unusual world.
