3D Simulator, Asteroid Positions

The Revolution of Asteroids

Using the interactive Astronoo simulator:

With this simulator, you will see the revolution of asteroids from all angles and their orbits located between Mars and Jupiter. Initially, you are "above" the solar system (a view from the north celestial pole) and the passage of time is set to 10 days per second, allowing you to see the planets and asteroids revolve around their orbits. You can move forward in time or go back using the buttons at the top. You can zoom in (top right) within the solar system while letting the asteroids revolve.

With the arrows at the bottom right, you can tilt the orbital planes of the asteroids, and if you want more information, see more or fewer orbits, use the buttons at the bottom left.

N.B.: You will notice that the objects have variable speeds; they follow Kepler's law of areas (Johannes Kepler, 1571-1630). As they approach perihelion (the closest point to the Sun), the objects accelerate; as they approach aphelion (the farthest point from the Sun), they slow down. To see the distances (in millions of km), click the aphelion/perihelion button.

Play with the mouse: A click in the simulator gives you control to reorient the solar system and get the desired view; the objects continue to revolve around the Sun. Click again to freeze the view and zoom.

N.B.: Be careful, the closer the objects are to you, the larger they appear.