Data Sources & Accuracy
We want Wanderstar to be trustworthy, so here is an honest account of the data it uses and what it does — and does not — claim.
What the data is based on
- Physical properties (size, mass, rotation, tilt) are based on the NASA Planetary Fact Sheet.
- Orbital elements are based on NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics and standard published values.
- Some smaller bodies, moons and comets use simplified or representative values for clarity and performance.
The model and its limits
Wanderstar uses a simplified two-body Keplerian model: each body follows an ellipse defined by its orbital elements. It does not perform full N-body integration, and it does not model planetary perturbations or relativistic effects. That means it is excellent for understanding how the Solar System moves, and good to within a day or two for "where is everything", but it is not a spacecraft-grade ephemeris.
We will not overclaim precision. Where a value is approximate, the goal is educational accuracy and clarity, not mission planning.
Planned improvements
- More accurate moon orbits and comet trajectories.
- Wider use of NASA/JPL and Minor Planet Center data.
- Date-based ephemeris views.