Solar System Dynamics - This site provides information related to the orbits, physical characteristics, and discovery circumstances for most known natural bodies in orbit around our sun. Observations of very young stars indicate that they are surrounded by dense dusty disks. Not only does dust indicate the existence of asteroids and comets, it can reveal planets. In our solar system the gravity of the giant planets is thought to create paterns in the Kuiper belt dust. An outside viewer would see gaps and clumps in an infrared image [insert] and deduce the presence of a giant planet. This simulated view is similar to what astronomers have seen around other stars. Known bodies in the solar system larger than 200 miles in diameter Solar System Live - Welcome to Solar System Live, the interactive Orrery of the Web. You can view the entire Solar System, or just the inner planets (through the orbit of Mars). Controls allow you to set time and date, viewpoint, observing location, orbital elements to track an asteroid or comet, and a variety of other parameters. Click on the title of any control to display a help page explaining it, or go directly to the help table of contents. You can compose a request with custom settings and save the results in your browser's hotlist or bookmark table, allowing direct access to Solar System Live with all the controls preset to your own preferences. Also see: Solar System Dynamics, and Interactive Star Atlas   Object Catalogue: Planets Sun, Earth, Moon, Planets, Asteroids, and Comets JPL's Solar System Simulator Images of the Planets Views of the Solar System presents a vivid multimedia adventure unfolding the splendor of the Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and more. Discover the latest scientific information, or study the history of space exploration, rocketry, early astronauts, space missions, spacecraft through a vast archive of photographs, scientific facts, text, graphics and videos. Views of the Solar System offers enhanced exploration and educational enjoyment of the solar system and beyond. The Nine Planets is an overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system. Each page has text and images, some have sounds and movies, most provide references to additional related information. Interplanetary spacecraft have revolutionized planetary science. Very little of this document would have been possible without the space program. IAU Astronomical Headlines - This page contains brief information on recent astronomical discoveries as reported in the International Astronomical Union Circulars (IAUCs) (published by the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams) and the Minor Planet Electronic Circulars (MPECs) (published by the Minor Planet Center), as well as links to ephemerides and orbital elements for comets and minor planets.   Most Recent IAU Circulars   © Copyright 2007 - Samuel J. Wormley   by swormley1@mchsi.com