How It Works

3DAstronomer is the first-of-its-kind space simulator that is going to revolutionize the way we look at space.  The program allows us to explore out galaxy and beyond, in 3-D, right on our computer.  This phenomenal open-source project takes data gathered by the European Space Agency and maps it in 3-D.  Exact telemetry, positional data of celestial objects, and real images make this program a true journey into outer space.

How does the program work?  The default installation enables you to select any of the catalogued objects (including the moon, the planets, the sun) and “fly” directly to it.  You can then use the keyboard and mouse to move around in three dimensions, magnifying planets, orbiting them or selecting other objects (such as moons and asteroids) in the immediate area.  You can even select stars outside our solar system and “visit” those!

It would take years to explore vast expanses brought into your home via the 3D Astronomer default program.  But with an additional large catalog of 3D Astronomer add-ons, there’s even more to see; there are places in the universe you never even knew existed, distant worlds you can visit with the click of your mouse.