About Spacetime Pictures

Spacetime Pictures is a collaborative platform for astrophotography datasets.

We provide Subscribers with time-limited access to a rotating catalogue of professionally curated astronomical datasets, and enable image processors to create, publish, and commercially exploit their own full-resolution processed images ("Processed Images").

Images created through Spacetime Pictures are collaborative by nature: they combine original astronomical acquisitions performed by dataset contributors with the creative image processing work of Subscribers.

Spacetime Pictures is not a stock image platform. We do not sell images or processed works. We distribute licensed astronomical datasets, provided in calibrated and stacked FITS format, under strict conditions.

For clarity:

• "Processed Images" refer to the full-resolution images (e.g. TIFF, PNG) created by Subscribers from the Datasets and owned by them.
• "Previews" refer to reduced-resolution or compressed representations of such images displayed on the Platform.
• Subscribers remain the authors of their Processed Images. Previews may be used by Spacetime Pictures for the operation, presentation, and promotion of the Platform, as described in the Platform Terms & Conditions.

Core Principles

Real data only

All datasets originate from genuine astronomical acquisitions. Synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated data are not accepted.

Rotating catalogue

The catalogue is continuously renewed. Datasets are available for a limited time and are removed upon license expiration.

Clear separation of rights

Datasets are licensed and strictly controlled. Processed Images are original works owned by their authors.

Fair and transparent model

Dataset contributors are compensated through a fixed, upfront, transparent royalty mechanism.

Collaborative attribution

Processed Images result from a collaboration between the original dataset contributor and the image processor. When a Processed Image is published, proper attribution to the dataset source is required as specified in the Platform Terms & Conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I own the images I create from the datasets?

Yes. Any Processed Image you create is your own original work. You own it fully and may use it without limitation, subject only to the attribution requirements defined in the Platform Terms & Conditions.

Can I sell or publish my processed images?

Yes. You may sell prints, license your images, publish them in books or magazines, submit them to competitions, or use them professionally.

When publishing a Processed Image, proper attribution to the source dataset and its contributor is required, as specified in the Platform Terms & Conditions.

Who should be credited when I publish a processed image?

Processed Images should credit both:

• Processed from Spacetime Pictures Dataset SP_XXXX
• Original astronomical data by [Contributor Name]

This attribution does not affect your ownership of the Processed Image.

What are "Previews" on the platform?

Previews are reduced-resolution or compressed representations of Processed Images displayed on the Platform for browsing, discovery, and community interaction.

Subscribers remain the authors of their Processed Images. By publishing Previews on the Platform, Subscribers grant Spacetime Pictures the right to use such Previews for platform operation, presentation, and promotional purposes, as described in the Platform Terms & Conditions.

Do I own the datasets?

No. Datasets are licensed astronomical datasets provided in calibrated and stacked FITS format.

They may only be used to create your own Processed Images and may not be shared, redistributed, or resold.

What happens when a dataset is removed from the catalogue?

Datasets are available for a limited time (365 days maximum).

Once removed, they can no longer be accessed or re-downloaded through the Platform. Any local copy you previously downloaded remains subject to the applicable license, but access via the Platform ends.

Why are datasets removed?

Because dataset licenses are time-limited and the catalogue is continuously renewed. This ensures fairness for contributors, long-term sustainability, and ongoing curation for Subscribers.

Can I use datasets to train AI models?

No. Datasets may not be used for artificial intelligence or machine learning training under any circumstances.

Are AI-generated datasets accepted on the platform?

No. Spacetime Pictures only distributes datasets originating from real astronomical acquisitions.

Legal status of this page

This page provides a general overview of Spacetime Pictures' principles and operational model. It does not constitute a standalone contractual document.

In all cases, the applicable specific agreements, including the Platform Terms & Conditions, Dataset License Agreements, and applicable policies, shall prevail.