Augmented Reality Solar System for Google Cardboard



Note:
The relative sizes of the planets and moons sizes are incorrect (some are exaggeratedly huge), the orbit and rotation times are incorrect, and so are the orbital distances of the moons. This is purposely done so that you can easily see and follow the planets.

How to use Solar System for Google Cardboard:
  1. Get Google Cardboard



  2. Use a mobile phone with a modern browser, supporting these capabilities:
    • WebGL
    • HTML5 video, support for navigator.getUserMedia and access to your phone's camera.
      - If HTML5 video is not supported then you can still enjoy the Solar System with a black background.
    • deviceorientation events
      - For detecting your phone's orientation.

  3. Increase the "display sleep" settings of your phone to at least 10 minutes.
    Usually the "display sleep" time is quite low, and it is annoying when the screen goes dark while installed in Google Cardboard.

  4. Open this web page on your phone and click the button below:


    • Your phone will ask permission to access your phone's camera.
      - If you allow, then the planets are superimposed on the camera video image.
      - If you don't allow, then the planets are in a black space.
    • Tap on the screen for full screen mode.

  5. Put your phone in Google Cardboard.
    Look through Google Cardboard and see the planets rotate around you.


Tim Samshuijzen
2014