Hello to everybody,
We have noticed some visits coming from this community, and I want to take the chance to introduce myself, I'm Manuel, main developer of this simulation, MPL3D Solar System.
Thank you very much for all your comments, we really appreciate all the feedback. We are always accesible to any comments, suggestions or requests, as well as to know about the latests advances.
Found a really cool free solar system simulator
Well, thank you very much J_Aerospace. The simulation is shareware, it can be used freely during 7 days (or 15 uses). Incomings are used for maintenace and updates (for example, we actually spend a lot of bandwitdth, due to the big file size). Nevertheless, we give away very interesting discount codes, just get in touch if you, or anyone from this community, want to get one.
I checked a video on the link you posted, it's nice, but I think Celestia looks much better.
Well, some videos were made as long as three years ago, during the developing phase. Make sure that you check, for example, the release video:
Other interesting, and up-to-date (made with the release version) videos are:
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwwJcyneZTk"]YouTube - MPL3D Solar System - Binary stars[/nomedia]
For nearly 200 MB, this sucker better have some serious eye-candy.
Hehe, well I can tell you that the software is full of media, but do not expect to see it all at once. Extrasolar planets are the main reason for this big file size, as all of them are different in appearance. For example, here is a view of Osiris (HD 209458b):
You may want to check some other planets and pics that appear in the same album.
In the current version (v1.1), we focused in keeping the scientific matters in place, rather than applying latests graphics.
The Earth picture that J_Aerospace posted above, corresponds to the 1.2 version, that is not available yet. For this new v1.2 we are taking very much into account the graphics improvements.
Last comment about the software, is that, while maintaining the scientific rigour, it is 'for the whole family', rather than for the busy astronomer, so please do not expect the complexity level that Orbiter has. All the controls and design concepts have been kept simple to use.
I think that's all, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate about asking me. Here, by email or at MPL3D Solar System user forum.
Thanks again and regards,
Manuel Perez de Lema Lopez
MPL3D Team