Explore the solar system - from your computer

Sep 11, 2011, 3:09 GMT

Washington - The US space agency NASA has made available an interactive internet tool that allows the public to journey through the solar system using actual space mission data.

The 'Eyes on the Solar System' interface combines video game technology and NASA data to create an environment where users can travel on agency spacecraft and explore the cosmos. Graphics, planet locations and spacecraft maneuvers all use accurate data gathered on actual space missions.

'This is the first time the public has been able to see the entire solar system and our missions moving together in real time,' said Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division at the agency's headquarters in Washington. 'It demonstrates NASA's continued commitment to share our science with everyone.'

The virtual environment uses the Unity game engine to display models of planets, moons, asteroids, comets and spacecraft as they move through our solar system. A free browser plug-in, available at the site, is required to run the web application.

'You are now free to move about the solar system,' said Blaine Baggett, executive manager in the Office of Communication and Education at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. 'See what NASA's spacecraft see - and where they are right now - all without leaving your computer.'

Users can fully customise what they see and there's even a 3D mode available. It's envisaged that the tool will also feature missions to be launched during the coming months such as the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover.

The tool - and an introductory video - are available at http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eyes.