Sci-fi digital art by Dreamwa1ker, UK. Download full image here.
Quote from the artist: "The Ashcen was the ceremony that celebrated a Kushauwan Pilot's the 10th Magniacapra engagement.
The event was the acquisition of "war paint" via the low altitude gravitational assist of Ganarhun I in the Ganarhun system.
Ganarhun I was a Metallic Hypergiant who's close proximity to it's star caused it's surface in daylight, to evaporate prior to being blown by the solar wind into interstellar space. As pilots undergoing the Ashcen transgress through the planets ;bleeding' atmosphere, metallic vapor condenses and scars hull plating providing the vessel with unique patterns that distinguish the pilot amongst it's peers."
Great concept and a really excellent composition.