Astronomy

Astronomy 0.3

Explore the sky, discover stars and build a scientific record of your Minecraft world.

Astronomy brings telescope observation, real star-catalog data and scientific progression to Minecraft 1.21.1 with NeoForge. Your location and world time shape the sky, while discoveries, measurements and skills give you reasons to keep observing.

Implemented features

A sky worth exploring

• A bundled HYG 4.1 catalog of 8,920 primary stars, selected to apparent visual magnitude 6.5 or brighter.
• 88 constellation figures, using 695 line segments derived from Stellarium Modern data.
• A custom astronomical sky with horizon handling, location-dependent observation, configurable lines and visual light pollution.
• Progressive constellation figures connected to the stars you discover.

The catalog also includes two technical line anchors. They are separate from the 8,920 primary stars. Constellation figures represent connected stars rather than official constellation boundaries.

Observe and measure

Craft a basic telescope to begin observing. Unlock the Altazimuth Mount skill to access azimuth and elevation scales, with visual orientation saved separately for each telescope.

Craft the armillary sphere, registered as the Astrometry Instrument, to measure discovered targets after unlocking Astrometry. Star measurements depend on the time of day, weather, clear sky and whether the target is above the horizon. The instrument records position, location and world time, with animated visual and mechanical feedback.

Keep a Scientific Journal

Browse discoveries, constellation progress and confirmed measurements in the Scientific Journal. Search names and identifiers, filter discoveries, inspect progressive figures and adjust panel layout, text size and font settings.

Earn Fundamental Astronomy points, purchase available skills and develop Astrometry through 20 levels. Unique measurements and completed measured figures contribute to Astrometry progress; repeated records do not generate repeatable rewards. Scientific advancements mark milestones along the way.

Study pages explain astronomical ideas with formulas, units and examples, while identifying the limits of the game's simulation.

Observe the Sun and Moon

Discover the Sun and Moon, keep scientific records and observe eight lunar phases. A configurable approximate orbital model controls their simulated positions and lunar illumination. Choose square or circular body appearance.

The Solar Observation skill requires Optics and governs validated Sun discovery. Without it, a valid Sun click causes a simulated blindness effect. This mechanic does not represent real solar-observation protection.

Future plans — not currently available

The author's roadmap includes:

• Planetary observation, including more advanced observing tools.
• Asteroids and comets.
• Advanced telescopes and astronomical instruments.
• Scientific machines.
• Programmable satellites.
• Space exploration.
• Richer astronomical content and constellation-related activities.

The current interface also outlines future scientific and astronautics specializations, including astrophysics, astrogeology, astrobiology, astrodynamics and spacecraft-related fields. These headings are plans, not completed gameplay systems.

Official constellation-area measurements remain unavailable until the required boundary data and validation are in place. Future scope and timing may change.

Requirements and beta status

• Minecraft 1.21.1.
• Java 21.
• NeoForge 21.1.232 or later, as declared by this build.
• English and Brazilian Portuguese interface translations are included.

Astronomy is an early beta. Bugs and suggestions are welcome!

The Sun–Moon model is an approximation for gameplay, not a high-precision astronomical ephemeris. Feature descriptions above are supported by packaged resources and implementation inspection; comprehensive in-game testing remains separate.

Credits

Created by Jubileu_13. Code and original resources are declared MIT in the supplied build. Bundled adapted HYG Database / Astronexus and Stellarium Modern data are separately attributed under CC BY-SA 4.0; see the JAR's DATA-NOTICE.md for sources and adaptation details.