Solar System 3d Gravitator

Solar System 3D Gravitator is a comprehensive 3D simulator of the solar system created by Carsten Arnholm. Its latest version 1.0-6 offers a precise view of our solar system from any angle, whether it be in the past or the future. SolSysGrav.exe, the main executable file for this educational software, has a modest file size of 947 KB, making it a quick and manageable download.

This piece of freeware runs smoothly on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, providing a broad range of compatibility for various users. Notably, this simulator excels in allowing users to view solar system objects such as planets, asteroids, and comets with accurate orbital data. By applying Newton's law of universal gravitation, it can predict encounters like the one between 99942 Apophis and Earth in 2029.

The program offers intuitive rotation and zooming controls using the right mouse button. For example, you rotate around the horizontal (x) screen axis using vertical mouse movements, and around the vertical (y) axis using horizontal movements. Additionally, it includes predefined view angles accessible through the View menu or toolbar buttons, as well as keyboard shortcuts. Zooming is efficiently handled with the mouse wheel, with default settings focusing on the Sun unless configured to track another object or none at all.

Categorized under Education with a subcategory of Science Tools, Solar System 3D Gravitator aligns itself as a valuable educational resource. Furthermore, version 1.0 is also available for those interested in trying the earlier incarnation of this software.

Pros:

• Accurate and detailed simulation using up-to-date orbital data.
• Intuitive and flexible control system for rotation and zooming.
• Wide OS compatibility, from Windows XP to Windows 11.
• Small file size makes for a faster download.
• Free license meaning no cost to the user.

Cons:

• Potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with the control system.
• No support for operating systems other than Windows.
• Limited to viewing and predicting the solar system, without additional astronomical features.

For those passionate about astronomy and seeking a reliable and free way to explore our solar system in 3D, Solar System 3D Gravitator stands out as an excellent choice.

You may want to check out more software, such as Solar System 3D Screensaver, Solar System - Neptune 3D Screensaver or MPL3D Solar System, which might be related to Solar System 3d Gravitator.