Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moonfall Simulator?
Moonfall is an interactive 3D web simulation that lets you experience what would happen if the Moon collided with Earth. You can select any target location on the planet and watch a scientifically-inspired destruction sequence with real-time weather data integration.
How do I use the simulation?
Simply click anywhere on the 3D Earth globe or type a city name in the search bar to set your target. A red crosshair will mark the impact point. Then press the "Launch Moon Impact" button to begin the 60-second countdown.
Is the simulation scientifically accurate?
The simulation is inspired by real planetary science but is dramatically accelerated for visual effect. The four-phase destruction sequence (Tidal Chaos, Atmospheric Ignition, Crust Fracture, and Approach) represents real physical processes, compressed into a 60-second timeline. Real NASA planetary textures are used for visual authenticity.
What technology powers the simulation?
Moonfall is built with Three.js (a WebGL 3D rendering library), uses NASA's Blue Marble imagery for Earth's texture, OpenStreetMap for location searching, and Open-Meteo for real-time weather data. It is hosted on Cloudflare Pages for fast global delivery.
Does the simulation collect my personal data?
No. Moonfall does not collect, store, or process any personal information. The simulation runs entirely in your browser. External API calls to OpenStreetMap and Open-Meteo are made directly from your browser for location and weather data, but no personal data is transmitted or stored.
Why does the simulation run slowly on my device?
The simulation uses WebGL for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics. Performance depends on your device's GPU. For best results, use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) on a device with dedicated graphics. Closing other tabs and applications can also improve performance.
Can I use this simulation for educational purposes?
Absolutely! Moonfall is designed to be both entertaining and educational. Teachers and students are welcome to use it in classrooms to explore concepts in astronomy, physics, and planetary science. There is no cost or registration required.
How can I report a bug or suggest a feature?
We welcome feedback! Please visit our Contact page and send us a message. For bug reports, please include your browser name and version, device type, and a description of what happened.