Camera View help

Have a question about using Celestia? Check here first for FAQs and helpful advice.
Forum rules
Please help to make this forum more useful by checking the FAQs before posting! Keep it clean, keep it civil, keep it truthful, stay on topic, be responsible, share your knowledge.
Topic author
Old Philosopher
Posts: 2
Joined: 21.10.2018
With us: 6 years 1 month

Camera View help

Post #1by Old Philosopher » 21.10.2018, 17:30

I just started using Celestia, and have spent a long time going over the Help, Read Me and FAQ files. I cannot find what I'm looking for.

When I zoom out to view the solar system, it displays on a flat plain viewed from the edge. I am trying to rotate/change the camera view so the entire system can be viewed with the individual orbits displayed as ellipses/circles. I guess you could call that a "top view" as opposed to an "side view".

I've probably found no help in the files because it is so simple and basic it's not readily documented. I've tried the Left-Right-Up-Down keys, the number pad, and dragging the mouse. All those do is change the position of the display on the screen.

Please help a newbie!!! Thanks in advance.

Avatar
selden
Developer
Posts: 10192
Joined: 04.09.2002
With us: 22 years 2 months
Location: NY, USA

Post #2by selden » 21.10.2018, 18:20

You might be overlooking the mouse operation "RMB drag." It orbits the viewpoint around the currently selected object.

In other words:
Select the Sun, then
"Orbit" around it by moving the mouse while holding down the Right-Mouse-Button.

It might be easier to see what's happening if you turn on the Ecliptic Grid first.
Selden

Topic author
Old Philosopher
Posts: 2
Joined: 21.10.2018
With us: 6 years 1 month

Post #3by Old Philosopher » 21.10.2018, 18:36

Thanks for the advice and help. However, I solved the problem myself about 60 seconds after I posted this call for help! Doh!!!

A simple SHFT-[arrow key] solved the whole view issue!

Looking forward to lurking here and learning more about Celestia.


Return to “Help Central”