Map of Solar System: See How Far Away Planets Are!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a map of the solar system that illustrates the vast distances between planets. Participants share their reactions to the map, express thoughts on its design, and reflect on the implications of the distances represented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for the map, noting it helps visualize the immense distances in the solar system.
  • There are comments on the scrolling experience, with some finding it tiring and suggesting improvements, such as making the map vertical or smaller.
  • One participant humorously remarks on the speed of light, questioning why time dilation did not make the scrolling appear faster.
  • Several participants mention the concept of "too much space" in the universe, with one drawing a parallel to the perceived emptiness at the atomic level.
  • A participant reflects on the experience of observing Venus and the challenge of conceptualizing its distance from the Sun.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the impressive nature of the map and its ability to convey the vastness of space, but there are multiple competing views regarding its design and usability. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the distances and the nature of space itself.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their ability to interact with the map due to its horizontal design and the amount of empty space it depicts, indicating a potential need for alternative formats.

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Whew! My fingers are tired from scrolling!
 
This gave me a deep respect for Galileo and Tombaugh. Eris would have been fine (less than 6,771 more maps). But in any case, well done.
 
Good thing they let us scroll faster than the speed of light. Anyone else find that button? (bottom right hand corner)
Good lord! Light is slow.
5 ½ hours to Pluto? Ain't nobody got that much spare time for scrolling.

The Moody Blues were right, thinking is the best way to travel.

(or the buttons along the top. Nice warp-driveish way to get around the universe. :smile: )
 
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OmCheeto said:
Good thing they let us scroll faster than the speed of light. Anyone else find that button? (bottom right hand corner)
That is interesting to watch but it will have to wait for another time. :smile:
 
How come it took so long? Shouldn't have time dilation made it go faster! :biggrin:
 
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This map would be better if vertical (my computer can not easily scroll sideways).
This map would be better if smaller (no point wasting time scrolling empty space).
 
eltodesukane said:
This map would be better if vertical (my computer can not easily scroll sideways).
This map would be better if smaller (no point wasting time scrolling empty space).
You can use the planet buttons on top to scroll to them.
 
  • #10
eltodesukane said:
This map would be better if smaller (no point wasting time scrolling empty space).

I believe that's the whole idea.
 
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  • #11
eltodesukane said:
This map would be better if vertical (my computer can not easily scroll sideways).
This map would be better if smaller (no point wasting time scrolling empty space).
But it does show there's too much space in space. Something is wrong with the universe.
 
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  • #12
eltodesukane said:
But it does show there's too much space in space. Something is wrong with the universe.

I kind of agree, as I've heard similar comments about atoms.

There's just too much missing "solid" stuff, both above and below our 3D planes of perception.

hmmm...
 
  • #13
Take a look at Venus one of those times around sunset when it's near its max angular separation from the Sun, and try to imagine the actual distance between that tiny speck and its star. How in the world did the Solar system get so empty anyway?
 

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