Explore distant star systems in immersive new video game

Using images from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Millennium Nucleus for Planetary Formation (NPF) has developed an educational video game for those curious about the universe. Called "ProtoPlanet Express," the immersive new video game allows players to explore protoplanetary systems, meticulously recreated through simulations by professional astronomers.

The video game is now accessible to everyone for free on the Steam video game platform on various operating systems.

Climb aboard the Protoplanet Express spacecraft on a cosmic adventure and navigate through the vastness of space. As you progress, you'll encounter different astronomers who will share insights into what makes each system truly unique. In addition to stars, you will find planets and multiple stars in some systems.

"The game very well fulfills the role of entertaining as well as educating about what protoplanetary disks are and their different characteristics. It is interesting to observe how the knowledge generated by the observatory not only ends in scientific discoveries but also in formats that are easier to access for the public, like this game," says Camilo Saldías, software engineer at ALMA, who attended the launch on behalf of his institution.

ProtoPlanet Express was developed by engineering students from the Federico Santa María Technical University and the Adolfo Ibáñez University. More details can be found here.