This illustration was created for a Nature Astronomy cover submission for Francois Tissot, professor of Geochemistry at Caltech.

The research focused on calcium-aluminum rich inclusions, substances found in meteorites that were the first solids to condense in the early solar system. Inside these inclusions are presolar grains: small crystals that predate the solar system. Noble gas isotopes in the grains can indicate whether the material originated in a red giant, a nebula, or the protosolar system.

The first idea was to show the meteorite split open, with grains spilling out onto a surface. A wider composition left room for journal cover typography, but reduced the importance of the grains. The final direction moved closer, embedding the three grains in the split meteorite.

The exterior needed to read less glossy and more like the rough crust left from atmospheric entry. The interior needed to be lighter, with visible CAIs. The final material pass separated exterior crust, interior surface, and embedded grains more clearly.

The illustration was not selected for the final cover. A mockup was prepared before submission to test how the image would behave with Nature Astronomy cover typography.