As featured in:
Using scientific data
From NASA and other agencies
Learn in VR
With a truly accurate VR space experience
Q: Is OVERVIEW scientifically accurate?
A: Yes. When designing Overview, accuracy was one of our main concerns. We did not want Overview to end up being just a beautiful, awesome, virtual reality experience. We wanted astronomers and astrophysicists to be able to enjoy the show without any reservation. We wanted educators and parents to feel confident that their charges were in good (scientific) hands. We wanted the general public to enjoy the experience knowing that every single celestial body – the planets, the comets, the moons – was right where it should be, on a correct orbit, and perfectly to scale.
Q: How is it possible?
A: This was no simple feat. In fact, it was astronomically difficult – but that was to be expected! Overview is powered by Space Engine, which is developed by Vladimir Romanyuk, and relies on the data gathered by different sources, such as ESA’s star machine, Hipparcos, or NASA’s Solar System Dynamics group.
Q: Where does the data come from?
A: Hipparcos was Europe’s very first astrometry mission; its goal was to measure the positions, distances, motions, brightness and colours of over 100 thousand stars. The results were published as a set of catalogues which we’ve used, in particular, as the backdrop of our Solar System. A precise and accurate backdrop, as seen from the Earth or any other point of our system!
We mostly have to thank the JPL HORIZONS on-line solar system data and ephemeris computation service for the orbits and scale of Solar System objects, such as the 8 planets and their 190 satellites, the Sun, nearly 800 thousand asteroids, and around 3500 comets, but for additional thoroughness, Overview also relies on astrometric observations validated by the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center.Q: So everything in OVERVIEW is real?
A: The only true inaccuracy in Overview is the speed at which you move around the Universe (up to millions of times the speed of light!), but considering how vast it is, this is exactly where the added value of virtual reality lies. Like we had envisioned, Overview lets you comprehend the scale of our Milky Way and feel awed by the beauty and intricacy of it all from the comfort and safety of your home!
Buy
Overview: A Walk Through the Universe
Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift
HTC Vive
Windows MR (Mixed Reality)
Oculus Rift
HTC Vive
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Profiles
Amaury Solignac, PhD
Creator & Producer
Founder of Orbital Views, Amaury holds a PhD in Submarine, Antarctic and Space Psychology.
He lectured at NASA and the European Space Agency. He was on the selection board of the most recent group of European astronauts.
Paul Mezier
Writer & Director
Paul Mezier is an immersive artist and director from Paris, France.
He partners with studios and institutions to create experiences and installations that explore human perception and expand our definition of reality.
