Explore
Start with wonder. Learn what the data reveals.
Guided experiences built on real astronomical measurements from Gaia, Hipparcos, and distance estimates. No prior knowledge needed: begin by noticing what changes, then follow the data into the idea behind it.
Fly-through
Constellations and 3D space
Orion is one of the most recognised shapes in the sky. Navigate freely through the local stars and watch how quickly the familiar pattern breaks apart once each star is placed at its estimated distance from Earth.
- What you are seeing
- A flat sky pattern opened into catalogue-estimated 3D positions.
- What to try
- Keep Orion in view while moving sideways and inward.
- What this teaches
- Constellations are perspective effects, not physical groups.
Demo
Parallax
Move the observer's position while keeping Orion in view. Nearby stars slide more than distant ones, making visible the depth that a flat night-sky picture hides.
- What you are seeing
- Nearby and distant stars responding differently to a changed viewpoint.
- What to try
- Compare a small movement with a larger one and watch which stars move most.
- What this teaches
- Parallax turns viewpoint shift into a way of estimating distance.
What to expect
Notice first. Then ask what the data is telling you.
Each experience uses catalogue-derived 3D star positions from Gaia, Hipparcos, and distance estimates. They are real measurements, not perfect photographs, arranged so the geometry becomes visible.
If you want to understand the physics behind what you're seeing, the Learn section picks up where these experiences leave off.