These are the kind of astronomical illustrations that led to what we now know as space porn, beautiful views of space that really get those juices flowing, scientifically speaking of course.
This set of illustrations by French illustrator/astronomer Etienne Leopold Trouvelot is part stargazer's perspective, part wishful thinking, with a dash of psychedelics thrown in to enhance the vision. They're beautiful despite their lack of scientific accuracy, and they're available for viewing via the New York Public Library Digital Gallery.
Link --via i09