Controls how fast the orbits animate — does not change the orbital periods.
Select a planet to see its relative orbital period.
Planets closer to the Sun travel a shorter orbit and feel stronger gravity, so they complete a full circuit much faster than distant planets — this is the essence of Kepler's third law.
Mercury orbits the Sun in 0.24 Earth years — faster than Earth because it is closer.
About this simulation
This free The Solar System Interactive simulation lets students change the inputs and watch the model respond in real time. Built for earth science lessons, it runs in any browser with no signup and is ready for the projector or 1:1 devices.
What students can explore
- Adjust each control and see how it changes the the solar system interactive model.
- Read the live formula as your numbers are substituted in.
- Compare predictions before and after you change a value.
Is the The Solar System Interactive simulation free?
Yes. This The Solar System Interactive simulation is completely free, with no signup and no download required — open it in any browser.
What grades is the The Solar System Interactive simulation for?
It works across grade levels — run it on a projector for younger classes, or let older students explore the controls and readouts on their own devices.
Embed this simulation
Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free, no sign-up.
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