February 23, 2009 v1.0.424
New Simulations
Galaxy Clusters - 800+ galaxy clusters including Virgo
Galaxy Clusters & Brightest 200 Galaxies
TrES-3 orbiting Star with Protoplanetary Disk
- uses the new procedural asteroid belt feature
Satellites orbiting Earth - preview version
- uses the new orbital elements feature
Fomalhaut System - info
- uses the new procedural asteroid belt feature
Gamma Ray Bursts
- view the location of over 30 Gamma Ray Bursts from 2008
Gehrels 3 Comet captured by Jupiter in 1970
- watch Jupiter capture a comet in orbit around it
Major Changes
Seven new simulations/systems.
Procedural asteroid belts now createable (by editing the simualtion XML files).
Set a body's position and velocity with Orbital Elements (in the XML files).
See a body's Lagrange Points by hovering your mouse over it and holding down the Ctrl key.
Rotate bodies and galaxies on their axis with the mouse.
Rotate bodies by hovering the cursor over them and holding down the N key.
Move the mouse left and right to rotate the body, while holding down the N key.
Press the Ctrl or Shift key to rotate the body on the other axises.
These controls are a bit akward to use and will be improved in a future release.
Notable Changes
Added 'Density', 'Name', and 'Acceleration' as sortable Chart Mode options.
Resetting the simulation no longer resets your projectile or explosion settings (this is useful when playing with the pool balls or exploding a space station above a forest moon).
Hill Sphere color now matches body color.
Added a toggle to show all Hill Spheres.
Added a toggle to show all Lagrange Points.
Background view (Milky Way, Stars, None) now adjustable in the simulation XML files.
Switched Chart mode to plot from left (smallest value) to right (biggest value).
System files now support <RA>, <Dec>, <Distance> for plotting positions without XYZ position values.
Created a 3D model to represent galaxy clusters.
Added new texture maps for Mimas, Iapetus, Miranda, and a forest moon.
New distance unit: Redshift
(distance=SpeedOfLight/HubbleConstant*Redshift)
Removed minimum radius limit for the Explode command.
Added a black hole button to make the selected body's radius be the Schwarzschild radius.
Added a Chart Mode 'Make Live' button. This makes the Chart Mode view a live, editable mode.
Added the star "Eta Carinae" and the galaxy "Triangulum" to the preset bodies list.
Fixes
Feedback system now much less likely to fail (now uses the web to submit data instead of an IMAP email server).
Star color is no longer calculated if set in the XML system file with the <Color> tag.
Galaxy background orientation button works again.
Corrected minor issue with the motion of the camera when it moves from one body to another.
Fixed Andromeda spelling error in New Body preset list.
Fixed problem with some stars not plotting properly in the Star chart mode.
Rotation period problem fixed (again adjustable from the control panel).
Fixed problem with the simulation unpausing when you switched to the control panel and back.
Parent-Child relationships now recalculated when mass is changed and simulation is paused.
Fixed problem with impact marks being too small sometimes.
Fixed issue with camera not responding to a change in the focused body's radius.
Improved depictions of the largest 10+ galaxies in "Galaxies - Our Local Group".
October 25, 2008 v1.0.400
Major Changes
Chart Mode: Use this to line up bodies by Mass, Velocity, or Diameter.
Right click to open the control panel (or press Enter).
Click on the button Chart Mode.
Right click again to open the control panel.
Change the chart view with the drop down next to the Chart Mode button.
Click the Chart Mode button again to exit chart mode.
Added infinite zoom out (you can now zoom out further than the known visible universe is wide).
Create galaxies from the preset menu under New Bodies in the control panel.
Move bodies by hovering the cursor over them and holding down the M key.
Also hold down Ctrl to only move the primary body (and not the rings or stars).
New objects to play with: Dice, Pool Balls, Footballs, Baseballs, and Bowling Balls (and they're all to scale).
More constellations: Added the 88 standard constellations (there were just 2) and a few different filter options.
Add a find body tool:
Press Ctrl+F to open the find tool.
Start typing the name of the body to fly to.
Press the up or down arrows to fly between bodies found in the search.
Notable Changes
Fixed blurry background image on some computers. Star background will be significantly sharper for some.
Improved pointer selection of bodies.
Bounce collision mode now works for a larger range of body sizes (constant values are dynamic and calculated for each group instead of fixed).
See an object's Hill sphere by hovering your mouse over it and holding down the Shift key.
Moving bodies works better than ever. Try moving a galaxy. Hover your cursor over a body and hold down the M key. Moving bodies now works in bounce mode.
Planets fade between colors as you switch color modes.
Data now loads 4-10 times faster.
Added a red border when simulation is paused.
Added a background data & texture loading indicator in the lower left corner of the window.
Added a Community & Featured group in 'Open Systems' list.
Added icons for systems in 'Open Systems' list.
Mousewheel scrolling of the 'Open System' list now works correctly.
Time step now adjustable even after the interactive trial runs out.
Set bounce mode default collisions to inelastic (this is more realistic, the old value was 0.4) - Change this value with Shift+i.
Removed systems: 'Solar System Size Comparison' & 'Star Size Comparison' as they are no longer need with the new 'Chart mode' feature.
Minor Changes
Removed an unnecessary render surface (an internal texture).
Improvements to log file output.
Loading of textures now possible from system files although custom textures not yet supported.
Textures on graphical button now scaling correctly.
Upgraded to the latest version of nUI, the interface library.
Added support for creating non-spherical objects.
Known Issues
Launching small objects (like dice) into really large bodies (like our Moon) in bounce mode doesn't work correctly.
Launching galaxies in bounce mode give unexpected results (as their collision boundary is currently their radius).
Zooming in on objects can make distant objects flicker. (zooming in on a star will make constellation lines flicker)
Trails will jump around unexpectedly in some situations.
Rotation of objects acts strangely in bounce mode as bodies collide or separate (although works slightly better then in the previous release).
Some spacecraft are way too large and don't look like spacecraft.
September 19, 2008 v1.0.370
Major Changes
We have another dwarf planet:
Renamed '2003 EL61' to Haumea in all systems and data files.
Notable Changes
Simplified and improved the experience when Universe Sandbox encounters an unrecoverable error.
Added low resolution galaxy and star backgrounds to better support older graphics hardware.
Log files now collect more information about graphics hardware.
Added option to restart Universe Sandbox in safe mode and prompt about this after a startup crash.
Upgraded to the latest version of nUI (interface library).
Fixes
Changed minor planet labels to dwarf planet.
Corrected zoom issue on intro systems using focus=none.
September 11, 2008 v1.0.364
Major Changes
Added new system: Retrograde Orbit - 2008 KV42
Recently discovered comet (more info)
Added distance from viewer stat.
Hover over a body to see the info.
Notable Changes
Updated look of body stats.
Updated look of loading indicator.
Fixed problem with 3D high-res screenshots.
Fixed problem with the reset Settings button.
Added adjustable elasticity in bounce mode:
Current keyboard shortcut: Shift-i
September 8, 2008 v1.0.362
Major Changes
Added adjustable rotation period controls:
Object Properties on the Control Panel.
Notable Changes
Changed button labels to use verbs.
i.e.: 'Yes / No' is now 'Restart / Cancel'
Fixed issue with Play/Pause button not updating when viewing the Control Panel.
Fixed issue with Vivid color mode not working.
File updating issues corrected.
Minor fixes to settings and license issues.
Feedback emails now formatted as HTML.
August 26, 2008 v1.0.358
Notable Changes
Fixed primary license issue.
User settings now saved to a 'Settings.config' file.
Added support for the 'Application' key
(acts like the 2nd mouse button)
Fixed handing of pressing Enter while editing text boxes in the Control Panel.
August 25, 2008 v1.0.357
Notable Changes
Fixed user settings not saving across updates.
August 24, 2008 v1.0.356
Notable Changes
Added auto calc for Lagrangian points 3, 4, 5.
Added 2 new Lagrangian system (under Intro).
Fixed problem with creating desktop shortcuts.
Fixed problem with specifying colors in XML files.
Fixed problem with objs in XML files needing mass.
Early version of photon torpedoes: Press Y
August 12, 2008 v1.0.351
Major Changes
Two new Fun Things to Do.
Fifteen+ new systems.
3D grid and control of the particle count.
Added projected paths feature (In view controls).
Added Name field to Body properties & New Bodies.
(You can now rename moons & planets.)
Added simple move command for bodies.
Two Constellations (more to come)
Added a 'stoplight' marker next to time step that turns red when time step is too high.
Added more bodies to the New Bodies preset list.
New background - Stars without the Milky Way.
Notable Changes
Added adjustable settings for 3D modes.
Added two additional 3D modes (DLP & Cross Eye).
Improved camera positioning in 3D modes
Enter key now opens the control panel.
Made progress on an upcoming feature. :)
New starting time for Lagrangian Points.
Better support for low end video cards.
Added new tags for System XML files:
author, description, tags, etc.
Changed 2005 FY9 to Makemake; new dwarf planet.
Settings (on the Settings page) now save on exit.
Added ability to disable mousewheel.
Added support for user added Horizon data.
Menu page loading indicator.
More Changes
Fixed crash caused by adding rings to a massive object with a small radius (like a black hole) when using color by velocity.
Removed "buy a license" links from the main menu once a license has been purchased.
July 13, 2008 v1.0.333
Notable Changes
Added drop down for changing the collision mode.
Fixed common startup crash
(this should fix about 75% of all reported crashes)
Fixed loading error caused by spaces in XML system files.
Added better reporting of bad object names in the log files.
Fixed UI flashing on startup (minor visual glitch).
Fixed incorrect error message when a comment or feedback fails to send.
Added check to test if automatic update is broken.
July 8, 2008 v1.0.332
Major Changes
Universe Sandbox now requires a license to use the interactive features beyond 60 minutes.
Notable Changes
Fixed minor issue with Creating Shortcuts
Added an email link to comments & error windows.
Added warning message if low on video memory.
July 5, 2008 v1.0.330
Major
Added a warning message when the time step gets too high (this should reduce crashes).
Added scale info & real time ratio to basic HUD.
Added additional keyboard shortcuts for laptops.
New system: Solar System Size Comparison
Notable Changes
Fixed 'Create Shortcut on Desktop' to work with standalone installation.
Fixed crash when you select 'To Dust' on a body with impact marks.
Fixed crash when increasing the time step past ~8000 in systems that use yyyy-mm-dd dates.
Fixed bug when loading data on computers with various international settings. Some cultures uses commas (,) where others use periods (.) and so the masses and sizes were wrong.
Updated WiimoteLib.dll to the latest version (1.5.2)
June 19, 2008 v1.0.325
Major
Added Galaxy & star data. Galaxy collisions!
Added eight new systems.
Auto time step has been significantly improved, but still doesn't work correctly in all situations.
Added side menu for Open, Save, Reopen, etc.
Notable Changes
Added drop down list to adjust color modes.
Visual improvements to color modes.
Fixed issue with the 'Color by Mass' color mode.
Stereo 3D mode now works with all color modes.
Streaming data in background for faster startup.
Play/Pause button & clock now visible by default.
Various improvements and adjustments to feedback text.
Added glow toggle in View controls.
Moved "Tour Mode" button to view controls and renamed "Camera orbit".
Play/Pause button look and use improved.
Orbit velocity calculations now work at all scales.
Menu will now slide up and down if the window height is too small.
You can now use the keyboard enter numbers in the control panel. Click on the number to edit.
Dust now effected by Zero Momentum command.
The Milky Way panoramic was backwards. :)
Renamed Universe controls to System Controls.
Renamed Simulation to System Properties.
Renamed Options to Settings.
May 30, 2008 v1.0.312
Notable Changes
Added a new page to the tutorial.
Fixed an occasional crash when you hit F1 or F2.
Various additions and fixes to the documentation.
Moved Next links on Introduction pages to bottom of window.
Switch to full screen now Alt + Enter (not Ctrl).
May 28, 2008 v1.0.311
Notable Changes
Now runs on 64 bit versions of Windows.
The new menu system should load much more quickly on slow computers.
Version number changed to 1.0
May 27, 2008 v0.8.310
Notable Changes
Added a verbose mode for the log files (to help with tracking down crashes and problems).
Added confirmation on Exit.
May 26, 2008 v0.8.309
Major Changes
New Main Menu System: The main menu and the help system are now integrated.
New activity: Ring around the Moon.
New introduction and tutorial rewrite.
3D render mode now fully functional. Do you have some red/blue glasses?
New background image is a high-res panoramic view of the entire sky and Milky Way galaxy.
Improvements
Comet crash into Jupiter starts with comet closer to the planet.
Help system now indicates new page is loading with hourglass cursor and other bug fixes.
Hover over an object to learn its type:
Planet, Moon, Asteroid, etc.
Fixes
Milky Way now correctly oriented on first load.
Empty Systems won't crash.
Lagrangian Points calc fixed for complex setups:
Check out the new system: Lagrangian Points.
Notable Changes
Updated to the latest version of Truevision3D.
Minor bug fixes to the nUI interface system.
Moved the time display to the top left near the play/pause button.
May 12, 2008 v0.8.302
Improvements
Improved appearance of trails in the system: Apophis passes near Earth in 2029.
Added option to automatically restart on crash.
Fixes
Fixed problem with impact marks not staying on bodies in pause mode.
Fixed problem with trails drawing as straight lines and fading incorrectly after collisions.
Fixed crash if System file doesn't exist.
Fixed crash in some systems if running for a long time.
Fixed crash when you explode a body in Solar System Jumble.
May 11, 2008 v0.8.301
Major Changes
Added support for creating your own Systems.
Click on New from the main menu.
Added ability to toggle background galaxy orientation between horizon and realistic.
Added info on the accuracy of the simulation.
Added asteroid & blackhole to projectile presets.
Minor Changes
Fixed camera shake issue when viewing bodies far from the center of a system.
Fixed rings stability issues around fast moving bodies.
Icon added to desktop on 1st run.
Added option to indicate purchase of software.
Improved Play, Menu, & Help button handling.
Help screen now fades in if not ready.
Tutorial now begins automatically on first run.
Improved handling of background; now always centered on camera.
Fixed occasional crash on middle click.
Fixed the global commands 'Halt All', 'Create Orbit', 'Reverse Time' to work with dust.
Fixed camera movement in 3D mode.
May 8, 2008
Minor Changes
Fixed culling of halo ring.
Fixed XML error when running on non-english computers.
May 6, 2008
Minor Changes
Minor adjustments to display of help info.
Added ability to attach images to comments.
Improvement to dust creation on collisions in bounce mode.
Gray bodies (like Mercury) now change colors correctly in velocity and acceleration modes.
Improved help sliding motion.
May 4, 2008
Major Changes
Send feedback without leaving the program.
Added a crash catcher that emails logs files.
Added known issues information.
Minor Changes
Fonts now load from texture files.
Fixed problem with help not rendering clearly.
Fixed crash when you pressed the 1 key.
Clicking Play & Help buttons no longer close the control panel.
May 2, 2008
Major Changes
Added a new activity: Perpetual Motion.
Added a new activity: Solar System Jumble.
Press C to cycle through color modes.
Minor Changes
Fixed crash that often occurred on exit.
Fixed density calc bug when bodies combine.
Minor change to program icon.
Added more credit information.
Added close link to the bottom of help pages.
May 1, 2008
Major Changes
First release of Universe Sandbox.
