Space Engine

If you are passionate about space and would like to learn more about the numerous types of planetary and solar system, star clusters, galaxies, planets, moons or perhaps would like to catch a glimpse of assumed alien landscapes and celestial phenomena, then one alternative would be to embark on a virtual journey.

Space Engine is a comprehensive simulation program that allows you to explore the universe up and close in a 3D working environment. The utility includes information about the celestial bodies that is known and accepted by modern astronomy.

First off, you should know that the application relies on the Hipparcos catalog of stars as well as the known extrasolar planets, galaxies as well as the celestial bodies that are visible to the naked eye from Earth. You can use the app to learn more about any prominent astral object that grabs your attention and interest.

It is worth mentioning that the program also includes uncharted regions of space that feature a wide variety of objects that may not be real or confirmed. You should know that the capabilities of the tool are only limited by the errors and missing data from its primary sources.

The idea behind the application is to provide you with an interacting way of exploring the known universe. Consequentially, it supports a wide variety of controllers that would make this journey more convenient and fun. In case you are having troubles getting around, then you should not hesitate to check out the detailed tutorials and documentation on the developer's website.

Depending on your preferences, you can move around using gamepads, joysticks or your mouse and keyboard. At the same time, you will be happy to learn that the application works with Oculus Rift, a device that can surely make the experience more immersive.

Even though the application does not allow you to observe the universe via the standard tool, it does come with an impressive library that encompasses the areas of the known universe and that are represented by actual scientific data.