Solar System Visualizer

The Solar System Visualizer was created by Michael VanDaniker and Andrew Lund as a part of an independent study under Douglas Hamilton at the University of Maryland.

SSV shows the motion of a primary object’s satellites. All distances are to scale with respect to the radius of the primary object. The sizes of the satellites are (quite clearly) not to scale.

Instead of simulating gravity, the application calculates each satellite’s motion using orbital elements. This results in the satellites having no effect on each other’s motion. Satellites are initially placed randomly so co-orbital moons are out of place.

Future work for this project includes taking the orbits into 3D, expanding on the extrasolar system data, and the inclusion of Kuiper Belt objects.