Solar System Simulator
Solar System Simulator
The Solar System Simulator is an interactive model for exploring the eight planets, their orbital motion, major moons, and their relationship to the Sun. The main space view animates the planets along compressed orbital paths while allowing the camera to focus on an individual world. Selecting a planet also opens information about its atmosphere, orbital period, rotation period, distance from the Sun, simulated distance from Earth, one-way light time, axial tilt, and orbital eccentricity.
Each planet includes an educational atmospheric or surface-view illustration based on the properties represented in the simulator. The display can also show major moons, the asteroid belt, orbit paths, labels, and motion trails. Camera zoom and orbit tilt controls make it possible to examine the system from different visual perspectives.
Planet sizes and orbital spacing are intentionally exaggerated and compressed so the complete system remains visible on screen. The simulator is designed to show orbital relationships and planetary differences rather than reproduce the Solar System at one true physical scale.
How To Use
Let the planets orbit automatically, adjust the viewing angle and speed, or select an individual planet to focus the camera and inspect its information.
| Control | Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Time Speed | SLIDER | Changes how quickly simulated time and planetary orbital motion progress. |
| Camera Zoom | SLIDER | Zooms the Solar System view in or out. |
| Orbit Tilt | SLIDER | Changes the viewing angle of the orbital plane. |
| Animation | PLAY / PAUSE | Starts or pauses planetary motion. |
| Reset | RESET | Returns the simulation to its starting state. |
| Overview | OVERVIEW | Returns the camera to the full Solar System view. |
| Orbit Paths | TOGGLE | Shows or hides the planets’ orbital paths. |
| Labels | TOGGLE | Shows or hides object labels in the space view. |
| Major Moons | TOGGLE | Shows or hides the major moons included for selected planets. |
| Asteroid Belt | TOGGLE | Shows or hides the asteroid belt. |
| Motion Trails | TOGGLE | Draws trails behind moving planets to make orbital movement easier to follow. |
| Planet List | SELECT | Selects a planet and focuses the camera on it. |
| Planet in Space | CLICK | Click a planet directly in the space view to focus and inspect it. |
| Exit Planet View | BUTTON | Leaves the focused planet camera and returns toward the system view. |
| Selected Object | VIEW | Displays planetary facts plus an educational atmosphere or surface illustration. |