This applet simulates the planets of the solar system orbiting the sun (including newly-demoted Pluto). The applet has several controls:
- The view can be zoomed in and out. When zoomed out above a scale of 16 then the inner planets (Mercury to Mars) are no longer displayed (at that scale they all begin to merge and overlap).
- The day interval can be changed so that the outer planets can be speeded up.
- The overall speed of the animation can be controlled. Note that this is not the same as changing the day interval even though the effect on the applet may be seen to be the same!
- Earth's moon can be turned on or off. The moon is only visible when the zoom controls result in a scale of 1, 2 or 4 otherwise the moon is too close to the Earth to be easily distinguishable. Note that the moon's distance from the Earth has been exaggerated here as, at the scales used, it would still be almost on top of the Earth if the correct distance was simulated. Also, if the day interval is set high and the orbit path is turned on then the path loses realism.
- The orbit paths can be optionally shown.
- The day/year count can be reset. Years are calculated to be 365.256 days.
To start the applet up just click the button in the top left labelled stopped (it will then change to running).
