Added TLE support https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-line_element_set (A common file format for earth orbit satellites). I’ve realized that I might have to switch to using a graphics api like webgl to improve the graphics from here, but for now I will focus on functionality. Better graphics should not matter at the moment from a ground level perspective.
Finally added a way to read separate files into the web app. Objects are now stored in json files with all their orbital parameters and physical characteristics. Next steps for this project will be to start adding detail on the planets and reference frame transformations from your local position to space.
You can now click on objects to select them. Orbits now also accurately precess. The moon’s orbit is now close enough to reality to predict solar eclipses, which is accurate enough for this project. All the inner rocky planet’s procession has been implemented as well according to NASA horizon’s approximation. They should now be reasonably accurate a few hundred yrs into the future. Next steps will be adding more objects like Jovian moons and spacecraft, as well as improving graphics.
Added the main 8 planets in the solar system and a time control feature. You can now speed up, slow down, or reverse time to see the solar system on different dates, or reset to the current time. You can also scroll through the list of planets and watch from their perspective. As far as I can tell I succeeded in making the planets positions accurate (or at least enough for my project).
Added functionality for objects to orbit other objects. Progress is coming along nicely so far, all orbits of type e<1 are displayable and can be centered around any object. The next steps I plan on taking are plugging in the values for our actual solar system and switching camera controls to be centered on planets, then adding time control and other UI.
I added mouse controls, Kepler’s 2nd law, and a grid that will come in handy for identifying places in the sky. Next I will continue to add features for adding celestial bodies and different spacecraft.
Added orbit calculations to the planetarium web app so I can start adding other objects in the display.
A few more functions will need to be implemented but very soon I should be able to start plugging in data.
Starting the basic foundation of the web app, I plan on using only JavaScript and HTML5’s canvas to draw all the objects, using data from celestrack and NASA horizons to find all the data I need. Screenshot is just of a test of the basic 3d drawing function with axis visible. Because it is just night sky objects no fancy 3d engine will be needed.
