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NASA has released a new "Eyes on the Solar System" interactive web-based tool which combines video game technology and NASA data to create an interactive experience where users can ride along with space agency spacecraft and explore the cosmos. As they travel, they will be provided with screen graphics and information such as planet locations and spacecraft manoeuvres which are drawn from actual space mission data.

"This is the first time the public has been able to see the entire solar system and our missions moving together in real-time," said Jim Green, Director of NASA's Planetary Science Division at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "It demonstrates NASA's continued commitment to share our science with everyone."

The virtual environment uses the Unity game engine to display models of planets, moons, asteroids, comets and spacecraft as they move through our solar system. With keyboard and mouse controls, users cruise through space to explore anything that catches their interest. A free browser plug-in, available at the site, is required to run the Web application.

Point of view can be switched from faraway to close-up to right "on board" spacecraft. Location, motion and appearance are based on predicted and reconstructed mission data. Dozens of controls on a series of pop-up menus allow users to fully customize what they see, and video and audio tutorials explain how to use the tool's many options. Users may choose from 2D or 3D modes, with the latter simply requiring a pair of red-cyan glasses to see.

The "Eyes on the Solar System" tool can be downloaded from the NASA website, where you can also find an introductory video about the creation.

News article originally appeared on the NASA website