# A PyPortal turned into a desktop window on the galaxy

A PyPortal scrolls through some of the largest images of the universe, turning a small desk display into a window on deep space.

- Category: Interface (build)
- Made by: [Bob Hammell](https://www.hackster.io/rhammell) on Hackster.io
- Original: https://www.hackster.io/rhammell/pyportal-galaxy-viewer-bf7b13
- On Afterware: https://afterware.xyz/p/a-pyportal-turned-into-a-desktop-window-on-the-galaxy

## Can I build this?

- Difficulty: Beginner
- AI-buildability: 5/5 (It's CircuitPython on an off-the-shelf board with a built-in screen, so AI can write nearly all of the code and the only hands-on work is preparing images and copying files over USB.)
- Time: An evening
- Cost: $55–70
- Tools: computer with USB cable

Estimates based on the original write-up. How the AI-buildability score works: https://afterware.xyz/ai-buildability

## Starter prompt

```
Based on "A PyPortal turned into a desktop window on the galaxy" on Afterware: https://afterware.xyz/p/a-pyportal-turned-into-a-desktop-window-on-the-galaxy

Write CircuitPython code for an Adafruit PyPortal that downloads a large space image from a URL, displays it on the 320x240 screen, and slowly scrolls it left and right in a loop. Load each image from SD card or internet and handle WiFi reconnects. Keep memory use low by drawing in tiles.
```

## Story

Bob Hammell's PyPortal Galaxy Viewer pans across some of the biggest images of the universe on the board's built-in color screen. The project is aimed at putting the vastness of space on your desk.

The source is a short project blurb, so the build details (wiring, enclosure, image pipeline) aren't documented here. What's clear is the concept: a cheap Adafruit PyPortal as a dedicated, always-on space viewer.

It's worth a look if you want a low-effort desk display. The PyPortal already has a screen, Wi-Fi and a CircuitPython environment, so the hard part is picking the imagery and writing the scroll.

Tags: pyportal, circuitpython, tft display, space imagery, desk display

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