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tools

scale:
time:
zoom: radii:
coords: exoplanets: orbits:
exoplanets:

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NEARBY GALAXIES PLANETS of STARS GALAXY CLUSTERS TEST GRID

Each dot represents a galaxy. Coordinates are in megaparsecs. Nearby galaxies are from EDD. Close up view of star showing its solar system. You might need to move back a little to see all the planets. To speed up animation, use time control on right. To visit other stars, first click the "scale" button on the right. ** under construction **
Each dot represents one galaxy cluster. Coordinates are based on galactic longitude and latitude, and are measured in megaparsecs. Galaxy cluster data is from NED. Each dot is a star. Hover mouse to see details. When returning to "planets" view, the solar system for the nearest star with known planets will be shown. Coordinates are equatorial, and coordinates are in parsecs. Stars are from the HYG database. Click the "scale" button to see nearby galaxies. This is a test of the rendering logic.

Keys:
  • arrow keys move
  • space=forward, delete=backward
  • hold down shift to turn instead of move
  • hold down alt key to move or rotate faster
  • double click to center on an object
  • "0" key snaps back to 'home', e.g. the Milky Way Sol the Sun the local cluster the origin
  • "H" key moves toward 'home'
  • "I" key turns toward 'home'
  • two-finger drag on trackpad: rotate

notes

Notes

  • Please don't try to visit other stars while you are looking at a solar system! When you are at this scale the stars are very far away. If you switch into "stars" mode, by clicking the button in the top right that reads "planets >> stars", the distances are much more manageable.
  • The arrow keys, the space bar and the delete button will move you around in space. The longer you hold down a button the farther you will go. If you become impatient with how long it takes to reach other stars, hold down the "alt" key at the same time as the other keys. You can also move forward and right at the same time, for instance, by holding down both keys at once.
  • Please notice that the buttons in the top right sometimes have two different sides you can click on. For instance, clicking on the left side of the time scale button slows time down and clicking on the right side speeds it up.
  • One of the more intriguing features is the ability to see solar systems other than our own. To visit other stars, please first leave "planets" mode by clicking the 'scale' button that shows "planets >> stars". Now, click on the 'exoplanets' button to highlight stars with known planets. Now you can speed off toward one of them, using the arrow keys and the space bar. To move substantially faster, hold down the "alt" key while you are pressing the other keys. Once you get close enough you can double click on the star and it will 'zoom in' to show you the planets.

    • Errata

  • Displayed radii, even in 'small' mode are much larger than they would be if you were to look up at the sky. In most cases, every object would occupy a single pixel if drawn accurately, and that wouldn't be very exciting. In some solar systems, the magnification is a bit too much.
  • Alpha Centauri can be found by searching for "alpha cen". To find Gliese 581, search for "GJ 581". Star names have been taken literally from their various sources, and have not yet been 'enhanced' for easier searching.