I love solar system models!
I love that you can see the scale, especially on the outdoor setting where you can move around it.
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About
Explore the solar system with accurate scale and orbital mechanics. This app removes common simplifications to reveal the true vastness and complexity of space. Witness planetary rotations, eclipses, and comet paths with unprecedented detail.
✓Accurate planetary scale
✓True orbital inclinations
✓Realistic axial rotations
✓Detailed comet paths
✓Time-based simulations
✓Precise eclipse visualization
✓Data-driven accuracy indicators
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What's New in Cosmic Specks
1.0.1
September 16, 2026
A seventh lie, and the purchase that was missing. • Lie 6 of 7: the Moon and Jupiter, all but touching. A sky chart draws them side by side. Swing the camera and watch two things two and a half thousand times apart come apart. • The Moon's facts sheet now shows its next close pass by a bright planet, with a Jump to the moment. • Earth's night side has its city lights. • iPad turns sideways. • The "20,000 Years" unlock is now available — it did not ship with 1.0. Fixes: the tour no longer trips the unlock sheet mid-way on the free tier; the scale readout tells the truth in True size at every scale; the build watermark is gone from the corner; the build number lives at the top of Settings instead.
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In-App Purchases
$2.99
20,000 Years
The full sweep: ten thousand years each way
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FAQ
What makes Cosmic Specks different from other solar system apps?
Cosmic Specks removes common simplifications like exaggerated planet sizes and flat orbits. It aims to build intuition by showing the 'lies' often told in diagrams and revealing the true scale and mechanics of the solar system.
Does Cosmic Specks have ads?
No, Cosmic Specks is ad-free. The developer explicitly states 'No ads' and 'Nothing leaves your phone,' prioritizing user privacy and an uninterrupted experience.
What is the learning methodology of Cosmic Specks?
The app employs a hands-on, discovery-based learning approach. It allows users to toggle off common simplifications one by one, directly observing the impact on the solar system's representation and building an intuitive understanding.
How does Cosmic Specks track user progress?
Cosmic Specks does not track user progress or collect any data. Its privacy policy states 'Data Not Collected,' meaning no analytics or personal information is gathered from users.
Is Cosmic Specks suitable for younger learners?
With an age rating of 4+, Cosmic Specks is designed to be accessible. Its visual approach to complex astronomical concepts can be engaging for a wide range of ages, from children to adults.
What devices does Cosmic Specks support?
Cosmic Specks is available on iPhone and iPad, offering a consistent experience across Apple's mobile and tablet platforms.
How often is Cosmic Specks updated?
The app was last updated on 2026-09-16 to version 1.0.1. While this is the initial release, future updates will likely focus on refining features and potentially expanding content based on user feedback.
What does the optional purchase in Cosmic Specks unlock?
The optional purchase in Cosmic Specks extends the simulation time to 10,000 years in both the past and future directions. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of long-term celestial events.