Is this 3D model free to download?

Yes, U Scorpii is free to download from NASA. Open it in the free Thinger app, or use the "Download from NASA" link to open the original listing by the creator.

Where do I download the STL file?

The download is hosted by NASA. Use the "Download from NASA" link on this page to open the original listing and grab the file, or save it to your print queue in the free Thinger app.

Designed by NASA, published on NASA. Please credit the creator when sharing your print.

Can I print this at home?

Yes. This is a printable 3D model intended for home FDM and resin printers. Check the original listing for suggested print settings.

U Scorpii

Source: NASA by NASA

The U Scorpii is a free printable 3D model from NASA by NASA. A nova is a star that suddenly becomes tens to hundreds of times brighter, then fades to its former brightness in just a few months. You can download the STL file from the original listing below and print it at home.

Open in Thinger (free) Download from NASA

30 saves Source: NASA Updated 2026-10-18 License: NASA media guidelines Category: Education & Science

Tags: nasa, space, science, education

About this model

A nova is a star that suddenly becomes tens to hundreds of times brighter, then fades to its former brightness in just a few months. In these nova systems, a white dwarf, the compact remains of a Sun-like star that has burned all of its fuel, pulls material from a nearby companion star until enough accumulates to trigger a thermonuclear explosion on the white dwarf’s surface. This 3D model of a nova outburst of an object called U Scorpii is based on a scientific simulation, informed by observations. This printable file was created by the Chandra team from the 3D model. The red giant is visible as the sphere at the side-center of the print; the white dwarf (where the explosion happened) is too small to be visible but would be tucked inside at the very center of the model. The structure arou…

Frequently asked questions

Is this 3D model free to download?: Yes. U Scorpii is free to download from NASA. Open it in the free Thinger app, or use the "Download from NASA" link above to open the original listing.
Where is the STL hosted?: The download is hosted by NASA, not by Thinger. We link you directly to the original listing by NASA.
Who made this model?: Designed by NASA, published on NASA. Please credit the creator when sharing your print online.
Can I print this at home?: Yes. This model is intended for home FDM and resin 3D printers. Check the original listing for suggested print settings like layer height and supports.