Camera modes¶

Gaia Sky offers five basic camera modes.

Focus mode¶

This is the default mode. In this mode the camera movement is locked to a focus object, which can be selected by double clicking or by using the find dialog (Ctrl+F).

Hint

NUMPAD_0 – Enter the Focus mode

Free mode¶

This mode does not lock the camera to a focus object but it lets it roam free in space.

Hint

NUMPAD_1 – Enter the Free mode

Gaia scene mode¶

In this mode the camera can not be controlled. It provides a view of the Gaia satellite from the outside.

Hint

NUMPAD_2 – Enter the Gaia scene mode

Spacecraft mode¶

In this mode you take control of a spacecraft. In the spacecraft mode, the GUI changes completely. The Options window disappears and a new user interface is shown in its place at the bottm left of the screen.

Attitude indicator – It is shown as a ball with the horizon and other marks. It represents the current orientation of the spacecraft with respect to the equatorial system.

– Indicates the direction the spacecraft is currently headed to.

– Indicates direction of the current velocity vector, if any.

– Indicates inverse direction of the current velocity vector, if any.

Engine Power – Current power of the engine. It is a multiplier in steps of powers of ten. Low engine power levels allow for Solar System or planetary travel, whereas high engine power levels are suitable for galactic and intergalactic exploration.
– Stabilises the yaw, pitch and roll angles. If rotation is applied during the stabilisation, the stabilisation is cancelled.
– Stops the spacecraft until its velocity with respect to the Sun is 0. If thrust is applied during the stopping, the stopping is cancelled.
– Return to the focus mode.