Visualization
Solar System Scale Explorer
This interactive recreation of our solar system blends accurate orbital mechanics with approachable controls. Bodies render at true physical scale relative to their orbits; use the deep zoom and precision focus to study detail without inflating planets.
← Back to visualizationsHow to explore
- Drag anywhere to pan, scroll to zoom, and click a planet to focus.
- Toggle fullscreen for an immersive view, especially on larger displays.
- Use the extended zoom range to dive into inner-planet detail without losing scale.
- Slow orbital speed to “real time” or accelerate centuries per second with the responsive slider.
- Select a planet chip to snap the camera to its true-scale position and size.
- Press numbers 1–9 to jump directly to bodies, or F to fit the system.
True-to-scale bodies
Planets render at their physical radii while elliptical paths respect real eccentricities and perihelion orientation—no exaggeration.
Deep zoom focus
Snap to any body and explore millimeter-to-AU detail with a logarithmic zoom range tuned for accuracy.
Accessible controls
Keyboard shortcuts, fullscreen support, and a responsive speed slider make the model approachable on any device.
Real orbital motion
Simulated orbital periods keep every body in motion; pause, resume, or focus instantly to compare timelines.
Data & assumptions
Distances use mean semi-major axes in astronomical units, scaled linearly to fit a comfortable viewport. Planetary radii reflect mean equatorial values expressed in kilometers, and camera zoom provides reach without altering their relative proportions. Orbits are modeled as coplanar ellipses using J2000 eccentricities and perihelion angles to emphasize realistic scale relationships.
Motion is simulated by advancing time in days per second. You can slow things down or pause entirely to inspect orbit geometry, rings, and resonances.