ddaydreams opened this issue on Oct 24, 2009 · 56 posts
eonite posted Tue, 03 November 2009 at 2:52 PM
Thank you, Melikia!
I hope do get more time to experiment with aurora effects when the clouds product is finished, since it`s one of my favourite sky effects too.
I know, just sharing the file probably leaves many questions open. Here is just an ultra short guide:
When you look at the function tree, you see the 3 lefthand branches with the Gaussian Tooth nodes. Those are the aurora areas.
The branch with the Gradient noise (providing the streaks) feeds the zBlend Metanode. This Metanode controls the altitude where the streaks begin to appear.
The aurora lines are distorted by the "Displacement" Metanode above those four branches.
Above the "Displacement" Metanode you find the "Offset-Rotate-Scale" Metanode which is more or less self explaining.
The topmost Metanode serves to rotate the whole layer -45 degrees. This one should not be touched.
And then you have the 5th branch with the "Front" Metanode. This one sets a limit to the aurora lines (If the "Influence" parameter is set to 1)
Finally you have the "Mixer" Metanode with some basic density controls.
I hope it does not sound too complicated. Actually I am using the same Metanodes (and some more) to control the clouds.