"Being in the dome as an operator, instead of just a visitor, let me capture the details that matter for a simulation."— Darren, founder
NightSim started with a family visit to the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria. As an XR developer, I walked in as a curious visitor and walked out volunteering to modernize their presentations — which led to drone surveys, laser measurements, telescope operator training, and eventually a full digital twin of the observatory.
The simulator grew from a simple question: what if someone who couldn't visit a real observatory could still experience operating one? Not a screensaver. A real instrument, with a real catalogue, that teaches you something every time you use it.
The experience is built around the historic Plaskett telescope — one of the largest refractors in the world at the time of its construction. Every detail in the simulation comes from direct measurement and operator access, not reference photos.
When alpha testers started asking where they could log and share the images they were planning — that conversation became Sky Log. The two products are built to work together: NightSim to learn the sky, Sky Log to track what you photograph once you're outside with a real telescope.
Built by one person, from a single observatory visit to a working multiplayer VR app.
Family trip to the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. Volunteer role begins — drone surveys, laser scans, and telescope operator training at the Plaskett.
Full digital twin of the observatory modelled from measurements. First VR build — single-user, static sky, telescope operable but no catalogue integration yet.
Messier catalogue integrated. Time controls, season simulation, and lessons panel added. First alpha testers — feedback loop starts. Sky Log concept emerges from tester conversations.
Multi-user sessions with Meta avatars. Control panel redesign, sound effects, hotspots, animations. Nav table with universal scaling — move from ground view to cosmic perspective live.
Full Observatory & Platform release. PIN-based Sky Log integration, deep-sky catalogue, guided observing tracks. Public beta opening — Quest Store submission follows.
NightSim is an independent project. Every model, every line of code, every catalogue integration — solo. If any of this resonates — the vision, the work so far, or where it's headed — a coffee goes a long way toward keeping the dome open.