VR app "Excursion to the Sun" has been released!

Jul. 09, 2018

We started the free distribution of the new VR app "Excursion to the Sun," which provides a unique opportunity to walk around the solar surface and experience the fundamental structures of the Sun.

[Updated on June 7, 2021]: The distribution of the VR app "Excursion to the Sun" has ended on June 7, 2021. Thank you for using this app.

Overview of the app: Experience the Sun with observational data from the Hinode spacecraft!

Traveling through the space, you will approach the Sun, land on its surface, and... look! You will see the gigantic sunspots from which magnetic field lines extend up towards space. You can freely walk around the solar surface. Using the "Atmospheres" icon you can enjoy views of the various layers of the solar atmosphere. This VR app was designed by the Solar Science Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Most of the visual images in the app are the actual observational data obtained by Hinode spacecraft.
Those under 13 years old can also play the app by using the "single-eye mode."

◇Collect 4 keys and watch the movies!
Walk around and seek the 4 keys hidden somewhere on the solar surface. Each time you get a key, you can enjoy a spectacular movie of the Hinode launch, the great flare eruption, etc.

【How to use】

• Launch the app and aim the white dot in the center of the screen at the "START" button to begin.
• Move to the settings screen through the "SETTING" button to switch between the "double-eye" and "single-eye" mode, select the language (English/Japanese), and reset the history of obtained hidden movies.
• To play in the "double-eye mode," VR glasses for smartphones are needed (sold separately).
• Those under 13 years old are required to play in the "single-eye mode."

*Apple ID and Google account will be required for iPhone and for Android, respectively.