MARKETS:
ANIMATION
EDUCATION
VISUAL SIMULATION
WORLD WIDE WEB
END_MARKETS

FEATURES:
AUDIO
TEXTURE MAPPING
VRML
END_FEATURES

HARDWARE:
END_HARDWARE

OTHER_INFORMATION:
END_OTHER_INFORMATION

TITLE:
CyberAstronomy
END_TITLE

AUTHOR:
Sam Chen
END_AUTHOR

DESCRIPTION:
An interactive VRML exploration of the solar system, with motion, textures and audio.
END_DESCRIPTION

BRIEF_INSTRUCTIONS:
Use the page-down key to move through preset viewpoints.<BR>
Click on planets to get additional information about each one.<BR>
END_BRIEF_INSTRUCTIONS

DETAILED_INSTRUCTIONS:

<TABLE WIDTH=100% BORDER=0>
<TR>
  <TD width=5> </TD>
  <TD>
   <B><I>CyberAstronomy</I></B> is a 3D interactive experience showcasing 
    the possibilities of VRML2.0 in the field of Edu-tainment. <BR> 
   <BR>
    With traditional 2D learning tools, subjects that require an 
    understanding of spatial relationships are quite difficult to 
    visualize and grasp.  With the added dimensionality of 3D however, 
    the subject in question tends to take on new depths.  In astronomy 
    for example, the Solar System is a case where its shear grandeur and 
    beauty can be best taught through the use of 3D technology.  Relative 
    planetary sizes, orbital speeds and inclination, distances, moon orbits, 
    etc are all most effectively revealed through 3D technology.  VRML2.0 
    excels in this area.<BR>
    <BR> 
     Using the following VRML2.0 features (interpolators, texture-mapping, 
     camera animation, spatialize audio, proximity-sensors, visibility-sensors,
     scripts) the CyberAstronomy demo presents the user with a 3D interactive 
     experience showcasing the full glory of our Solar System.  The user may 
     visit each planet by cycling through pre-scripted "vista points" in the 
     tour while clicking on a planet, moon, or space vehicle to get more 
     information.  <BR>
     <BR>
     A little cinematic drama was added to heighten user experience in the 
     form of thematic music for each planet as well as spaceship noises to 
     give the user a sense of extra-terrestrial presence.  Although planetary 
     sizes and distances had to be exaggerated because of scale issues, special
     care was taken to present the relative orbital speeds, sizes, and 
     distances as accurately as possible. <BR>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


END_DETAILED_INSTRUCTIONS

SYSTEM_REQS:
END_SYSTEM_REQS

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