Space Engine

Caporegime
Joined
3 Jan 2006
Posts
25,264
Location
Chadderton, Oldham
I think this simulator needs its own thread because it's so good.

http://en.spaceengine.org/

SpaceEngine - is a free space simulation software that lets you explore the universe in three dimensions, starting from planet Earth to the most distant galaxies. Areas of the known universe are represented using actual astronomical data, while regions uncharted by human astronomy are generated procedurally. Millions of galaxies, trillions of stars, countless planets!






Capabilities

All types of celestial objects are represented: planets, moons, asteroids, stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
The observer is free to move around the universe. Transition between any celestial body and any scale occurs continuously.
The observer can move around in space using the WASD keys, like in First Person Shooters. Movement with inertia is made possible in Spacecraft mode or Aircraft mode.
"Select and fly" autopilot: just click on any object with the mouse and hit the 'G' key to automatically go directly to the object.
Search for celestial objects by name. Scalable map of the Universe and the planetary system map. Saving locations and an autopilot's journal.
The orbital motion of planets and stars is calculated in real time, with the ability to accelerate, decelerate, or reverse the flow of time.
The orbital paths of celestial objects can be shown, along with their labels and grids.
Automatic binding of the observer to the moving object and automatic selection of optimum flight speed.
Known celestial objects are represented using data from the catalogs: galaxies (NGC/IC), stars (HIPPARCOS), star clusters, nebulae, planets (our Solar system data and known extrasolar planets).
Uncharted regions of space feature procedurally generated objects: galaxies, stars, star clusters, nebulae and planetary systems.
3D landscapes of planets and stars: for many solar system bodies actual data from space probes is used. For uncharted exo-planets the surface is generated procedurally.
Volumetric 3D sprite models of galaxies and nebulae including light-absorbing dust clouds, optimized render to a skybox and impostors.
Lighting effects: lens flares, solar eclipses, shadows of planetary rings. Celestial objects cast light and shadow on to each other.
The accurate model of the Earth's atmosphere (code by Eric Bruneton), adapted for the other planets.
[New!] Controlable spaceships.
Ability to import users addons: models, catalogs, and textures.

Personally I find this game so impressive, you're flying at way above Transwarp speeds, every little spec is a whole system with massive planets, some habitable, if you search hard enough you might find some spaceships to some beautiful sites.

My screenshots don't do it justice but they give you an idea.
 
Wow this is incredible, thanks!

Althought it's crashing quite a fair amount. Most of the time the simulator crashes when travelling onto a planet's terrain. Anyone else get this?
 
Wow this is incredible, thanks!

Althought it's crashing quite a fair amount. Most of the time the simulator crashes when travelling onto a planet's terrain. Anyone else get this?

Change the LOD in graphics settings to -1 or -2, only change to 1 or 2 when you're situated on a spot, also never have above 1 if you've moving around.
 
Change the LOD in graphics settings to -1 or -2, only change to 1 or 2 when you're situated on a spot, also never have above 1 if you've moving around.

I manage to keep mine on 2 all the time without too much trouble. However I should really turn it down for zooming around because it can get a tad jumpy!
 
I found at 2 I was moving around, it was getting jumpy but then crashed.


Any problems try posting on their official forum, they seem to be quick to respond.
 
Oh wow, I'm having fun with this. I've flown to Triton and back, stood on a frozen moon somewhere in the large magellanic cloud and looked up at the milky way, skimmed along the rings of Saturn, and rushed out at incredible speed letting galactic superclusters pass me by. Amazing stuff.
 
I've noticed a lot of distant starts appear dark red, you then get to them and they're normal colour? :confused:
 
I've noticed a lot of distant starts appear dark red, you then get to them and they're normal colour? :confused:

How distant? I've not noticed that myself, but I'd be impressed if they've implemented red shift for things on the other side of the universe.
 
Will I be able to watch attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion? Or c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate?

If yes then I'm sold :D
 
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