Generic Scenes

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn and Titan

Saturn's largest moon Titan is seen here just after crossing in front of the planet in August of 1995. At this time Saturn's rings where almost exactly edge-on as seen from the Earth. Several other satellites of Saturn are also visible.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Io and Jupiter

Here Io is seen just passing in front of Jupiter, as seen from the Galileo spacecraft on the day of its arrival at Jupiter. Galileo has since flown by the other three Galilean satellites of Jupiter (Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) during its orbital tour of the Jovian system.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn and its satellites

Looking down on Saturn and many of the major satellites (with orbits shown).

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison The Solar System

Looking down on the orbits of the planets.

Accuracy Tests

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Lunar Eclipse

Earth as seen from the Moon on March 24, 1997. At 2:58UT, according to Sky & Telescope from March 1997, the Moon entered the umbra.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Stellar Occultation by the Moon

Spica about to be occulted by the Moon on November 29, 1994. Astronomers near central Tokyo observed a beautiful grazing occultation just above the north pole of the Moon. (See Sky & Telescope, January 1997, page 89.) Tokyo's latitude accounts exactly for the difference in position seen here.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn (rendered)

Saturn as supposedly seen by Voyager 1. Compare with below.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn (actual)

Saturn as actually imaged by Voyager 1. Compare with above (note accuracy of ring appearance).

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn (rendered)

Saturn as supposedly seen by Voyager 2. Compare with below.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Saturn (actual)

Saturn as actually imaged by Voyager 2. Compare with above (note position of the two satellites).

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Earth/Moon (rendered)

Earth and Moon as supposedly imaged by Galileo. Compare with below.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Earth/Moon (actual)

Earth and Moon as actually imaged by Galileo. Compare with above.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Io (rendered)

Io as supposedly imaged by Galileo. Compare with below.

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Io (actual)

Io as actually imaged by Galileo. Compare with above (note same/similar features on surface).

Movies
Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Cassini arrival at Saturn, 1.8 Meg Quicktime

Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Earth and Moon - 1 lunar orbit, 3.0 Meg Quicktime
Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Galileo arrival at Jupiter, 2.3 Meg Quicktime
Actual vs. simulated image for comparison One Earth Year as seen from Sun, 1.1 Meg Quicktime
Actual vs. simulated image for comparison Mars rotating (from Mike Pelletier), 750k MPEG