Imaging applications in contemporary astrophysics: advanced visualization, immersive technologies, epistemic practices, and education

Imaging in astronomy has become an indispensable area of research, fundamentally shaping how astrophysical phenomena are analyzed, interpreted, and communicated. With the exponential growth of observational data from telescopes and numerical simulations, the need for sophisticated visualization techniques has never been greater. Key challenges include representing data across multiple wavelengths and resolutions, interpreting large and complex datasets, and ensuring that visualization practices remain scientifically rigorous.

Within this evolving landscape, imaging is increasingly understood not merely as a means of communicating results, but as an epistemic practice that actively contributes to modeling, interpretation, and understanding in astrophysical research. Recent advances in immersive and interactive visualization, including virtual and extended reality environments, have further transformed how scientists explore, analyze, and communicate cosmic phenomena, raising new methodological and epistemological questions.

Contemporary studies highlight the growing significance of advanced imaging approaches, ranging from multi-wavelength composite images and high-fidelity numerical simulations to immersive VR/XR environments. These practices play a central role not only in professional research, but also in education, outreach, and public engagement, where visual analytics and narrative-driven frameworks are increasingly used to make complex astrophysical concepts accessible. At the same time, important gaps remain in the integration of multidisciplinary approaches, the establishment of shared best practices, and the understanding of the broader cognitive and cultural implications of imaging technologies in astronomy.

This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives to advance both theoretical and practical understanding of imaging applications in contemporary astrophysics. By encouraging contributions spanning astrophysics, visualization science, computational modeling, immersive technologies, education, and science communication, the Collection seeks to highlight imaging as an interdisciplinary space where data, models, technology, and perception converge in the production and dissemination of astronomical knowledge.

We invite a range of article types, including original research, reviews and perspectives

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: astronomy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.