@ApoorvaDubey

#Devlog 5 – Searching Robert Downey Jr. on my space app and NASA GIBS Integration. A few weeks ago, I integrated Wikipedia into my Cosmic Object Explorer so that users could receive information by combining Wikipedia data with multiple NASA APIs. While polishing the UI today, I encountered a serious bug. I started by searching about Robert Downey Jr. and well not to my surprise, the app returned information. This revealed a significant issue in my implementation. Since Cosmic Object Explorer is intended to be a vertical search engine focused on astronomy and space-related objects, it should only return results within its intended domain. The test reminded me that I had overlooked an important component of the search pipeline, semantic scoping and content filtering. The application was accepting and processing queries outside the astronomy domain instead of restricting results to relevant celestial objects. This is now a high-priority issue, and I will be working on implementing proper filtering and query validation over the next few days. What I Did Today ? 1. Improved and polished the UI for a cleaner and more user-friendly experience. 2. Fixed several client-side bugs. 3. Added support for displaying exoplanet data correctly. 4. Integrated the NASA GIBS API on the server side. 5. Performed additional testing and identified the Wikipedia semantic-scoping bug. Next Steps : 1. The first priority will be to fix the Wikipedia semantic-scoping. 2. Connect the NASA GIBS API to the client side. 3. Continue refining the search experience and overall usability. 4. Add special exploration features, such as the largest black hole or the biggest nebula and other interesting astronomical records and discoveries.

Devlog 4 – Expanding Orbital Data CapabilitiesThis week, I successfully integrated NASA’s TLE (Two-Line Element) API into Cosmic Object Explorer. The application can now retrieve and display real orbital data for satellites and other Earth-orbiting objects, providing users with access to important parameters such as orbital period, eccentricity, inclination, and other tracking information.To make this data more accessible, I also added a user-friendly explanation system that describes what each orbital parameter means. Instead of only displaying technical values, the application now helps users understand concepts like eccentricity, orbital period, and inclination in simple terms.Next, I plan to integrate NASA’s Exoplanet API to expand the range of astronomical objects available in the explorer. Future development will also focus on incorporating additional NASA datasets, improving search functionality, refining the user interface, and introducing new educational features that make complex space science information easier to explore and understand.

Devlog 3 – Expanding the Cosmic Object Explorer

Update guys, I have successfully integrated Wikipedia into the Cosmic Object Explorer. Previously, the application relied mainly on NASA’s Images and Video Library API, which was useful for retrieving recent media and related information. Now, search results combine data from both Wikipedia and NASA’s media archives, providing users with a much more complete overview of cosmic objects in a single place.

With this update, users can access general background information, scientific context, and NASA imagery without needing to search across multiple websites. This is a significant step toward making the explorer a more comprehensive astronomy research tool.

Next Steps

• Integrate additional NASA APIs to expand the range of available data.
• Improve and smooth out the search functionality for more accurate results.
• Add better error handling and support for a wider variety of search queries.
• Enhance the user interface and overall user experience.
• Implement caching and performance optimizations to reduce loading times.
• Introduce special features such as object comparison tools, interactive astronomy facts, personalized discovery suggestions, and richer data visualizations.

The project is steadily moving closer to its goal of becoming a single destination for exploring and learning about objects across the universe.

Devlog -02: API Changes and Progress

Since the last update, I made an important change to the project’s data source. Initially, I planned to use NASA Horizons as the primary API, but for now I have switched to the NASA Images and Video Library API. This allows users to search for astronomical objects and immediately receive relevant images, media, and recent information related to their query.

The current prototype successfully fetches and displays results based on user input, making the application more interactive and visually engaging. However, this API only provides recent news, media or mission related updates. To address this, I’m gonna be integrating Wikipedia so that users can get other general knowledge alongside NASA content.

Next Steps:

• Integrate Wikipedia to provide detailed descriptions and background information.
• Add additional NASA APIs such as APOD, NEO, and other scientific databases.
• Improve the search system to combine information from multiple sources into a single view.
• Enhance the user interface and overall user experience.
• Continue working toward the original goal of creating a comprehensive explorer for cosmic objects and astronomical data.

The project is steadily moving closer to becoming a one-stop platform for discovering and learning about objects throughout the universe.

Devlog 1 – The Beginning of Cosmic Object Explorer

A few weeks ago, I was searching for detailed information about Hoag’s Object. While basic information was easy to find, locating scientific data, images, and observational details required digging through NASA archives and astronomical databases.

After spending hours searching, I thought:

Why isn’t there a simple way to explore celestial objects?

That idea became “Cosmic Object Explorer”.

Cosmic Object Explorer is a web application that allows users to search for celestial objects and access scientific information through a simple interface.

Progress So Far

• Built the frontend user interface
• Developed a C++ backend search engine
• Implemented partial search functionality
• Integrated astronomical data sources
• Began deployment setup with Vercel

Planned Features

• Search stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies, asteroids, and comets
• Display object type, distance, and scientific information
• Show images and observations from astronomical databases
• Improve search accuracy and database coverage

Tech Stack

Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Backend: C++
Deployment: Vercel

Next Steps

• Expand the object database
• Add image support
• Create detailed object pages
• Deploy a public version

Cosmic Object Explorer started from a simple frustration while researching space, and I hope it grows into a platform that makes exploring the universe easier for everyone.