Re: The first picture
It seems normal to us that there is no star, but even then, it still is very difficult to fathom it. I've read bumerous SF books describing "hyperspace" where no star is visible. Well, under normal circumstances, it's already the case. And it will also be the case for any trip to Mars. The astronauts will travel in a place darker than the darkest bedroom at night. Pretty depressing.
Raoull
