Scientific limitations
Distinguish observations, estimates, illustrations and display simplifications.
AstroGuide is an educational visualisation. Both the product interface and README state this clearly.
What remains illustrative
- 3D positions of celestial bodies;
- visual distances in the scene;
- animated orbits;
- 3D sizes, designed for readability rather than physical scale.
It is impossible to show a planet’s diameter, interplanetary distances and interstellar objects simultaneously at real scale while retaining usable navigation.
What the information cards show
Text values are rounded. Some astrophysical quantities remain uncertain. The comparison applies a minimum display size so that small objects remain visible.
Masses of distant black holes are model-dependent estimates. Phoenix A is explicitly labelled as a highly uncertain candidate in every language.
Main sources cited by the product
- NASA resources about the Solar System;
- Event Horizon Telescope results for M87*;
- NASA observations of Betelgeuse;
- Hubble and Gaia information about the Milky Way and Andromeda.
A catalogue contribution must cite a scientific or institutional source and keep units consistent. See Catalogue.
Do not overstate the product
AstroGuide does not aggregate live scientific APIs. The catalogue is bundled with the repository. A card must never silently invent a missing value.