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Astronomy has a rich tradition of using color photography and imaging, forvisualization in research as well as for sharing scientific discoveries informal and informal education settings (i.e., for "public outreach.") In themodern era, astronomical research has benefitted tremendously from electroniccameras that allow data and images to be generated and analyzed in a purelydigital form with a level of precision not previously possible. Advances inimage-processing software have also enabled color-composite images to be madein ways much more complex than with darkroom techniques, not only at opticalwavelengths but across the electromagnetic spectrum. And the internet has madeit possible to rapidly disseminate these images to eager audiences.  Alongside these technological advances, there have been gains inunderstanding how to make images that are scientifically illustrative as wellas aesthetically pleasing. Studies have also given insights on how the publicinterprets astronomical images, and how that can be different than professionalastronomers. An understanding of these differences will help in the creation ofimages that are meaningful to both groups.  In this invited review we discuss the techniques behind makingcolor-composite images as well as examine the factors one should consider whendoing so, whether for data visualization or public consumption. We also providea brief history of astronomical imaging with a focus on the origins of the"modern era" during which distribution of high-quality astronomical images tothe public is a part of nearly every professional observatory's publicoutreach. We review relevant research into the expectations and misconceptionsthat often affect the public's interpretation of these images.

The Aesthetics of Astrophysics: How to Make Appealing Color-Composite Images that Convey the Science