Solar System Scope — a 3D solar system with real astronomical positions
A personal project born from a pure hobby interest in astronomy: a 3D solar system simulation where you can travel through time and see each planet's real position on any given date — not a hand-animated orbit. Actively in development — navigation and UI still need work.
Context
A hobby crossing over with astronomy: I wanted to see the planets move in 3D with their real positions, not an approximate simulation, and use it as a deep dive into Three.js and React Three Fiber.
Role
Sole author — full design and development.
Problem
Most solar system simulations animate orbits approximately or purely for visual effect. I wanted something different: each planet's position at a given moment to be the real, calculated astronomical position, not an approximation.
Solution
Next.js with React Three Fiber (Three.js) for the 3D scene — textured planets, Saturn's rings, a starfield, and a camera that smoothly flies to the selected planet. Positions are calculated with the astronomy-engine library (real heliocentric vectors) for the chosen date, with a "time travel" slider (±1000 days) that recalculates everything on the fly.
Result
Working 3D core with real positions for all 8 planets and time travel in place. Personal project, actively in development — navigation and UI still need work.