Universe Sandbox | what is it?

Requires Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7

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What is Universe Sandbox?

Universe Sandbox is an interactive space simulator for Windows based PCs. Explore and experiment with our solar system, nearby stars, the Milky Way, and nearby galaxies. Create and destroy on an unimaginable scale while maintaining full control over time and gravity.

It's fun, it's easy to use, and it includes a built-in tutorial and activities.

What does it look like?

Check out the video preview, user videos, or view screenshots of the program in action.

What's it for?

Learning about the universe in which we live (without realizing that you're learning).

Exploring how one of the four fundamental forces of our universe works.

Having fun.

Causing destruction on an epic scale.

Creating realistic imagery and movies of our solar system.

Making art with a fundamental force.

How much does it cost?

Universe Sandbox is free to use forever for viewing simulations. If you wish to continuing using the interactive features after the 1st hour you need to buy a copy for $29 USD. See the Buy page for details.

How do I use it?

There's an introductory tutorial and step-by-step activities built into the program. No worries... You don't have to be a rocket scientist.

What are all the keyboard shortcuts?

There's a complete list on the reference page.

Can I use it to create screenshots & movies?

Yes. Just be sure to credit your images and movies (i.e.: Created with Universe Sandbox) and linked to universesandbox.com.

What's in the latest version?

Check out What's New for a detailed breakdown. (Complete v2.0 list coming soon)

What simulations are included?

Universe Sandbox includes 50+ systems, both real and fictional.

Includes the 8 planets, 5 minor planets, 160+ moons, and hundreds of asteroids.
Gamma Ray Burst locations
Andromeda & Milky Way galaxy collision
Shoemaker Levy 9 collision with Jupiter
Recently discovered comet with retrograde orbit - 2008 KV42
Rho Cancri Solar System (55 Cancri) - a star with 5 known planets
The 100 largest bodies in our Solar System
Comparison of the largest known stars
Pioneer & Voyager encounters with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune
Lagrange points of the Earth & Moon
Moons coalescing into a single planet
Asteroid Apophis passing near Earth in 2029
Nearest 1000 stars to our Sun
Nearest 70 Galaxies to the Milky Way

What are the core features?

Full featured interactive n-body gravity simulator.
Everything is measured in real units: kilograms, meters, seconds.
3D Mode for use with red & cyan glasses (anaglyph stereoscopic)
Support for 3D DLP televisions
Complete introduction and included tutorial.
Includes 10 step-by-step activities that explain the various controls.

Editable simulation files let you create an unlimited number of scenarios.
Full control of the speed of time.
Full control of gravity.
Multiple color modes to visualize speeds and accelerations.
Two collision modes

Bounce: A fun, fictional mode where bodies bounce off of each other like big rubber balls.
Combine: A more realistic mode where bodies combine into a single body when they collide.

Rings systems
- Rings are simulated as hundreds of particles and are effected by gravity.
- Includes scale ring systems of Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.
- Generate rings around bodies with a single click.
Particle grids
- Easily create 2D or 3D particle grids and then warp them with Jupiter sized planets.
Galaxy Collisions
- Watch galaxies rip each other apart.
Full sky panoramic view of the Milky Way
- Features Axel Mellinger's amazing photography of the Milky Way.
Easy to use interface that's fully controllable with the mouse.
- Lots of additional keyboard shortcuts.
- Working Wiimote support
  (Wiimote head tracking support coming soon)
- Laptop friendly controls
Capture high resolution screenshots
- Combines multiple screen captures into a super high resolution image; 50+ megapixel shots are possible.
- Tools to capture images sequences
Easy Updates
- Automatically checks for updates so you'll always have the latest version.

Read more questions & answers in the faq.

Install Universe Sandbox 2

Explore our Solar System

The solar system is so much more than 8 or 9 planets. It's made up of thousands of asteroids, comets, and moons. The Solar System on December 12, 1212.

Blow up moons

Exploding Moon

Unleash destruction on a scale that you never dreamed was possible.

Line up the planets with a single click

Use the chart mode feature to line up the planets and moons. Then reorder them by mass or velocity.

Play pool in zero gravity

Pool Balls in Space

Break apart a rack of pool balls with such a light touch that gravity pulls them back together.

Rip Saturn's rings apart in 3D

Neptune ripping apart Saturn's Rings Put on some 3D glasses to see Saturn's rings ripped away by a passing planet.

Destroy our Solar System with a single rogue star

Destroyed Solar System

The aftermath of our solar system after a rogue star passes through the center.

View the paths of hundreds of asteroids & moons

Solar System

Jupiter, it's 60+ moons, the 400 largest asteroids, and Earth and the other inner planets.

Compare the moons & dwarf planets

Lined up

Compare the size of Pluto, our Moon, and everything else in the Solar System.

View our constellations from other stars

Constellations

View the constellations from other stars and see how they warp and distort.

Make a football (soccer ball) orbit a bowling ball

If baseballs and footballs (soccer balls) move slowly enough they can orbit a bowling ball.

Explore nearby galaxy clusters

Galaxy Clusters

Explore the galaxy cluster simulation to understand how big our universe really is.

Install Universe Sandbox 2

Explore our universe firsthand, explore it like never before.