Astro VR
Astronomy

Astro VR

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Astro VR Solar System Simulation

Astro VR astronomy simulation allows users to explore space in an immersive environment, though it also works on flat screens with keyboard and mouse controls. The key features include:

Realistic Solar System Exploration:

  • Visit all planets, moons, asteroids, and trans-Neptunian objects
  • Accurate sizes, locations, textures, and orientations based on current data
  • 8 planets and 222 moons represented

Stellar Content:

  • Thousands of stars (6,720) and their exoplanets (5,404) to explore
  • 6,096 star systems included
  • Accurate star color, brightness, size, and position
  • Special objects include 16 black holes and 7 neutron stars

Scientific Accuracy:

  • Habitability zones calculated for each star system
  • Black hole simulations with accurate mass, event horizon, accretion disk rotation and gravitational effects
  • 91 minor planets and various spacecraft included

Time Control Features:

  • Observe orbital movements based on JPL ephemeris data
  • Forward and backward time progression
  • Position extrapolation beyond dataset timeframe

Educational Elements:

  • Detailed object information and labels (optional)
  • Comparison tools for size reference against Sun, Jupiter, Earth, and Moon
  • Data on position, orbits, mass, temperature, luminosity and more

The simulation prioritizes scientific accuracy while providing an engaging way to explore astronomical objects.

Summary of reviews of Astro VR

Based on the reviews for Astro VR, here’s a summary of what users are saying:

Positive Feedback

  • Users find the app to be excellent value for its price point (frequently mentioned as being “worth it” and “cheap”)
  • Many praise its scientific accuracy and photo-realistic representation of space
  • Users enjoy the ability to explore celestial objects, including planets, moons, stars, and black holes
  • The time manipulation feature that allows watching orbits in different speeds is appreciated
  • Several users mention the “wow factor” of experiencing the vastness of space in VR
  • The app works on multiple platforms and headsets (Quest 2, HTC Vive, Reverb G2)
  • Users appreciate that it works in both VR and flat screen modes

Issues and Concerns

  • Navigation and movement controls are mentioned as confusing or difficult by several users
  • Some users report getting lost easily while exploring
  • The UI is described as “a little rough” by one reviewer
  • One user mentioned latency issues with AR functionality
  • Some users experienced technical issues, though these appear to be specific to their setups

Requested Features/Improvements

  • Better navigation system and planet inspection tools
  • A search or tab feature to find planets faster without “digging around”
  • Information about celestial objects when viewing them
  • Ability to integrate with other media (listening to music, watching YouTube videos)
  • Different locomotion options, including head-oriented movement
  • Enabling rotation by default

Most reviews are positive, with users recommending the app particularly for those interested in astronomy. The developer appears to be responsive to user feedback, with several reviews noting that the developer had responded to their comments or helped resolve issues.