national astronomical observatory of japan four

N AT I O N A L A S T R O N O M I C A L O B S E R VAT O R Y O F J A PA N
FOUR-DIMENSIONAL DIGITAL UNIVERSE PR OJEC T
http://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/
Software
Movies
Mitaka : A Four-Dimensional Universe Viewer
We are developing a library of short movies to show at 4D2U theaters. You can download some of these
movies from the 4D2U website and view them on a personal computer. Below are some examples.
Mitaka is software for visualizing theoretical, computational, and observational astronomical data.
Users can seamlessly navigate across the universe from Earth to the edges of the known universe. The
software is available through a free download from the 4D2U website.
Movies Based on Observational Data
Mars Exploration
Neutral Hydrogen in the Milky Way
Explore the surface of Mars based on a 3D visualization of
topological data. (Data provided by MEGDRs)
A 3D model of neutral hydrogen in the Galaxy based on
radio observations. (Data provided by Hiroyuki Nakanishi)
Movies Based on Simulation Data
System Requirements :
OS Windows XP/2000, CPU Pentium4 1.8GHz or better, RAM 512MB or more, Hard Disk Space 50MB or more
Graphics Adapter GeForce 3 or better, Display Resolution 1024x768 pixels (XGA) or more
Large Scale Structure of the Universe
Formation of a Spiral Galaxy
Large scale structure develops from initial dark matter
density fluctuations. (Data provided by Hideki Yahagi)
A spiral galaxy forms through the merger of smaller galaxies.
(Data provided by Takayuki Saito)
Formation of Binary Stars
The Origin of the Moon
A binary pair of stars forms as spinning gas clouds collapse
under their own gravity. (Data provided by Tomoaki Matsumoto)
The collision of the young Earth and a proto-planet
leads to the formation of the Moon.
Zindaiji : An Astronomical Many-Body Simulation Visualizer
Zindaiji is Windows PC software for visualizing astronomical many-body simulation data. Zindaiji helps
researchers visualize large many-body simulations with an intuitive GUI. It also creates high quality
movies suitable for theater presentations. It's available from the 4D2U website.
The 4D2U Project
The Four-Dimensional Digital Universe Project (4D2U) is a long-term collaboration led by the National
Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Its main goal is the creation of an exciting, scientifically accurate fourdimensional visualization of the universe based on the most recent theoretical research, computer
simulation data, and observations from leading telescopes such as the Subaru telescope and the Atacama
Large Millimeter Array.
Immense
Spatial and Time
Scales
Research,
Education
and
Entertainment
Scientifically accurate
4D (Space + Time)
digital universe
contents
Project Outline
Official Project Name :
"Construction of an Image Distribution System for the 4-Dimensional Digital Universe"
@funded by the Special Coordination Fund for Promoting Science and Technology of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science @
@and Technology as part of their Program for the Effective Promotion of Joint Research with Industry, Academia and Government.
Principal Investigator : Dr. Shoken Miyama (Director General, NAOJ)
Duration : July 2004, March 2007
Participating Institutions :
NAOJ, RIKEN, Japan Science Foundation, Konica Minolta Planetarium, GOTO INC
Our Goals
1. Promote research through the 4D visualization of scientific data.
" @Provide visualization tools that enhance research
2. Promote public understating of the universe through educational and social applications.
" Communicate the most recent understanding of the universe through beautiful and realistic visuals
3. Promote the research and development of 4D visualization systems.
" Develop a widely usable visualization system and continue to provide software and content tools
Future Development Plans
Short Term Plans
- Enhancement to contents
- Collaboration with research institutions including educational and international institutions
- Distribution of content material to schools, museums, planetariums and other interpretive sites
- Development of a stereoscopic dome theater
Mid and Long-term Plans
- Enhanced variety and sophistication of contents
- Continuous presentations to the public
- Cooperation with planetariums throughout the world
Contact Information
The Project :
4D2U Project, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8588 JAPAN
Website : http://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/
E-mail : 4d2u-apply@nao.ac.jp
Theater Showings :
Astronomical Information Center, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8588 JAPAN
Phone: +81-422-34-3688
Fax: +81-422-34-3810
Front Page: Simulation of the formation of a cD galaxy. (Data provided by Yoko Funato)
4D2U Project, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
2006.07.