Information technology and science: Virtual model of Solar System created

NASA created a shared virtual model of the solar system, which allows you to travel around our star system.

The new interactive Web portal Eyes on the Solar System allows you to "climb aboard" NASA spacecrafts, traveling with them to different parts of the solar system. Besides, graphics and data of the new tool use the information coming directly from space vehicles and a vast database of astronomical data of the Space Agency.

"For the first time the general public will be able to see the entire solar system and the work of our missions in real time, said the director of NASA's Planetary Science Jim Green. - We want to share our accomplishments with everyone."

Virtual environment uses a software game "engine” Unity to display models of the planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and aircrafts, which circulate in our solar system. Using a keyboard and a mouse, users can move through space and explore everything that is of interest to them. To use the new service all you need is to download a free plug-in for browser. Users can keep track of space missions by NASA, not only in real time. It is possible to accelerate the pace of events, or to move into the past - thanks to the fact that Eyes on the Solar System contains data by NASA since 1950 and projections up to 2050. For example, you can see how Juno probe launched August 5, 2011 reaches Jupiter after five years of travel.

Dozens of management settings and pop-up windows allow you to customize the   display, speed-time, 2D or 3D-mode.

For now, Eyes on the Solar System is a beta version of the future service with great opportunities and a great potential for promoting science and education. In the near future, a web portal will be updated and supplemented by data from GRAIL mission, which will be launched in the nearest future, as well as Curiosity mission.