Watch all the exoplanets orbit their stars simultaneously

The Kepler telescope has found 685 systems with 1705 exoplanets, and you can watch them whirr around together in this mesmerizing animation by astrocubs . The data is from the NASA Exoplanet Archive . I made the visualization in Python: source code available here . The fact that the worlds and systems we’ve observed are so different from our own is a limitation of our observations, not of the universe. The orbits are shown to scale, but the planets are much larger than the orbits would suggest. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see them. The planets are not to scale with one another, either. Also, the orbits wouldn’t be perfectly circular, though I guess the animator might have made the simulation adhere to the laws of planetary motion an all the observed worlds have roughly-circular orbits. Of course the solar systems aren’t this close tog—look, sshhhh, just watch it, it’s pretty.

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Watch all the exoplanets orbit their stars simultaneously

Meet the only micro HD-camera drone in the world that can fly upside down

The Micro Drone 2.0+ is truly in a league of its own, offering a new perspective on aerial photography, and a world of technological capabilities that make flying ridiculously fun. Simply throw it in the air at any angle and its self-correcting algorithm will stabilize for smooth sailing in no time. You’ll stay entertained with flips, rolls, 720p HD videography, and much more. Performs 360-degree flips w/ the pre-programmed algorithm Captures HD video from upside down w/ a flick of a switch Stabilizes to its horizontal flying position w/ self-righting algorithm & sensors Designed to be durable & extremely fun to fly Perfect for flying indoors & outside (doesn’t suffer stability issues in wind) Easily recharges via USB Includes a range up to 400 ft & an 8 minute flight time per charge Get the Extreme Micro Drone 2.0+ for 42% off ($99.99) in the Boing Boing Store today.   

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Meet the only micro HD-camera drone in the world that can fly upside down