How to place object precise in plane

[EHAM747]

Hi,

I'm playing with the alpha centauri system. I want to add planets in the same plane as the 2 suns but I have dificulties in placing the planets in exact locations. Sure I can click planets everywhere but I can't locate them where I want.

Greetings,
Alex

[Bla]

Hmm.

I suggest changing the inclination of the orbit, and then changing some of the other orbital elements.

Or:

Try using the coordinates and the velocities in the different directions.

I assume you want them to orbit the two stars in their plane, which isn't flat on any axis, so it'll probably be hard to do (if there's no feature which lets you do it within the program which I haven't found).

I'd suggest you try placing the bodies in a position which has the same x or y coordinate as the two stars when their x or y coordinates are the same. Then line them up.
I haven't thought out how to get the velocities right, though.

[atomic7732]

If you want to have fun with teh Kozai mechanism...

You could just place them 30 or so degrees off axis and then let A Cen B throw it into the plane.

[Dan Dixon]

... I want to add planets in the same plane as the 2 suns...

There's no good way to do this currently. Placing them in orbit with the current tools, and then adjusting the orbital elements is currently your best bet.


Adding the ability to have control of the 'planet placement plane' is something I intend to add at some point in the future.

Another 'new feature' solution would be for me to add a way to rotate the entire simulation to line up with the currently fixed placement plane.

[EHAM747]

Thanks! That picture helped me. I've overlooked that.
And great news that my wish maybe included in a new version.

Great. Thanks.
Alex