Solar System 3D Screensaver

Have you ever dreamed of getting a chance to see the rings of Saturn, distant Pluto, the Asteroid Belt, Jupiter, Mars, or mother Earth from space? This screensaver is an outstanding 3D model of the solar system. Every planet is there along with its satellites and even a small info graph with basic facts. All the proportions and trajectories are right. You get to float through some of the best known constellations like the Big Dipper and get a great view of the Milky Way. It's not only the sheer beauty but also the educational content that makes Solar System 3D Screensaver an absolute must-have.

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In spite of a few small issues, this screensaver strikes us as a quality addition to most desktops. Solar System 3D Screensaver does take a few minutes to load up after you launch, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Once it's up and running, the program shows you an overhead view of the solar system, accompanied by mysterious music that perfectly conveys the atmosphere of the unknown. The screensaver will slowly zoom in on a planet at random before displaying a small box of facts, such as length of year and distance from sun. Then, it switches into a close-up view, so you can see all the details in the planet's landscape as it rotates before your eyes. Graphically, Solar System 3D Screensaver is pleasing; we especially like the level of detail in the zoom view. However, the nag screen is fairly large and obtrusive, so it often puts a damper on the overall scene. This program gives you a decent number of customization options, including the ability to adjust gamma levels, disable the music, and set the time format. Solar System 3D Screensaver may be geared primarily toward astronomy fans, but it makes a good pick for a wide range of users.