Design Help for Neutron Star

[Daniels_Work_Account]

Hey, all, I have a summer project working with my university to create a 2D, postcard-esque design of a neutron star or black hole. We are leaning more towards a neutron star design. The concept of the project is to use two or more sets in circulation and kitbash them together into such a design. I have some working drafts, but I thought some input and opinions from the Lego community could be helpful. I had a draft I was satisfied with, but then I realized that it uses parts from retired sets (sets 21340 and 41961). The first two images are that draft and the third and fourth are reference images. I've thought about using The Great Wave set (31208) and using each 16x16 square to create a little design, but the dark blue doesn't show up well on the black and looks weird on the "light nougat." The rough draft of that is the fifth image. I was also thinking of using the Creative Space Planets set (11037), but I couldn't think of a satisfying way to emulate the "astrophysical jets." Those are the sixth image. The last image is some theory-crafting with the exotic peacock and exotic parrot sets (21340 & 41961).

In general, I was just curious if you all had a suggestion on design choice or perhaps suggested Lego sets. The general plan is to try to keep the price at or under 150 dollars.

[Murdoch17]

@Daniels_Work_Account It would probably be much cheaper to source just the parts you need from Bricklink than to buy kits. Other than that, I have no suggestions.

[Daniels_Work_Account]

@Murdoch17  Thanks for the suggestion.  I realize I should specify.  We are trying to do a kitbash because the plan is to release an instruction pdf with information about neutron stars and women in STEM fields.  The idea is that we don't need to tell people what pieces to buy; we can just tell them, "If you have these two sets, you can make this model of a neutron star," or what have you.