Astronomy Lab on PC

Astronomy Lab on PC contains four scenarios that let you explore the Earth, Moon and solar system, ride in a hot air balloon, and experience effects of special relativity.

The Earth and Moon

In the lunar-system scenario, you observe Earth from a satellite control room in geostationary orbit. The view includes the Himalayas, American metropolitan areas, Amazon forests, changing cloud cover and city lights at night. You can also experience an Apollo-style Moon landing, explore the lunar surface and its impact craters, and move through the Moon’s much weaker gravity. Some craters are several kilometres deep.

The solar system

In the second scenario, you pilot a spacecraft through the solar system and explore its planets.

A hot-air balloon ride

The third scenario takes you over a colourful world in a hot-air balloon, with sights including island castles, volcanic eruptions, urban ruins and eastern villages. You move the balloon using the computer keyboard.

Relativity at 80% light speed

The fourth scenario simulates a world in which light travels more slowly. You travel at 80% of the speed of light and experience effects of special relativity, including length contraction, time dilation, Doppler shift and optical aberration.