Inspiration
We wanted to create an experience that goes beyond static textbook visuals — something immersive, interactive, and educational. Inspired by both sci-fi visualizations and the vast potential of web-based 3D graphics, we set out to build a solar system explorer that merges real science with game-like engagement.
What it does
Galaxis is an interactive 3D solar system explorer built with Three.js. Users can fly between planets, explore their moons, learn space facts, complete quizzes, and track progress through missions — all while immersed in a fully animated cosmic environment. It’s designed to make learning about space feel like a hands-on adventure.
How we built it
-Three.js & WebGL: For rendering realistic planetary models, orbits, and interactive space visuals.
-HTML/CSS/JavaScript: To handle UI, layout, and user interaction.
-Text-to-Speech API: For narrated facts and accessibility.
-Custom Physics Engine: Simulates scaled planetary orbits, rotation, and distances.
-Responsive Design: Ensures mobile and desktop compatibility.
-Modular Structure: Allows for dynamic addition of new celestial bodies or features without rewriting core logic.
Challenges we ran into
-Performance optimization: Rendering thousands of stars, moons, and dynamic animations strained low-end devices.
-Balancing realism with user experience: Accurate orbital distances made planets too far apart, so we had to smartly scale space while keeping it intuitive and visually satisfying.
-Quiz integration: Designing an educational layer that didn’t interrupt the immersion was tricky.
-Responsive controls: Creating a seamless experience for both desktop and mobile users took careful tuning.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
-Built a fully responsive and interactive 3D environment that works across devices.
-Integrated both educational and entertainment components without sacrificing one for the other.
-Achieved realistic planetary simulations with smooth camera transitions and a visually appealing interface.
-Created a mission system with tracked progress and rewards, encouraging deeper user engagement.
What we learned
-Deepened our knowledge of WebGL and 3D performance tuning in JavaScript.
-Learned to simplify complex astronomical models for better UX.
-Discovered new ways to integrate education and storytelling using modern web tools.
-Reinforced the importance of modular and scalable code in large interactive projects.
What's next for Galaxis
-WebXR support for VR headset exploration
-Multiplayer classroom mode for collaborative learning
-Expanded celestial catalog including dwarf planets, comets, and exoplanets
-Save/load user progress with login support
-Achievement system for completing planetary missions
-Multilingual narration and content to reach a global audience
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