Disclaimer

General information

The information on PlanetPath (planetpath.xyz), including the Planet Path Calculator, planet facts, articles, tables and examples, is provided for general informational purposes. We aim to keep it clear and accurate, but we make no guarantee that it is complete, current or free of errors.

By using PlanetPath, you accept that you use its content and calculations at your own discretion. This Disclaimer should be read together with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Educational purpose

PlanetPath provides educational and informational content. It is designed to help students, teachers and curious readers understand the scale of the solar system and compare distances and travel times between planets.

To keep ideas easy to follow, explanations and calculations are deliberately simplified. They are a starting point for learning, not a complete scientific treatment of the subject.

Calculator estimates

Calculator results are estimates based on reference values and user-provided speeds. The calculator takes a distance, either a reference value for the planet or a distance estimated for a date you choose, and divides it by the speed you enter:

The result is only as meaningful as its inputs and assumptions. Results are rounded for readability, and a different distance option or speed will give a different answer. No result should be read as an exact or guaranteed figure.

Planetary distance disclaimer

Planetary distances vary because planets continuously move in their orbits. Each planet travels around the Sun at its own speed, on a slightly oval path, so the distance between Earth and any other planet is always changing. When two planets are on the same side of the Sun they can be relatively close; when they are on opposite sides, they are much farther apart.

For this reason, PlanetPath does not present a single number as “the” distance to a planet. Average, closest and farthest values are reference values derived from a simplified orbital model, and date-based distances are estimates for the day you select. Other sources may give different figures because they use different definitions, dates or methods.

Space travel time disclaimer

Travel times on PlanetPath assume a spacecraft flies in a straight line at a constant speed. Real spacecraft do not travel this way. Actual spacecraft travel is affected by:

• Orbital mechanicsPaths curve under the Sun’s gravity
• Trajectory designThe route planned to reach a destination
• Launch windowsTiming that depends on planetary alignment
• AccelerationSpeed gained during launch and cruise
• DecelerationSpeed lost to arrive, enter orbit or land
• Gravity assistsPlanetary flybys that change speed and direction

Because of these factors, real mission durations can be very different from a simple estimate, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. PlanetPath’s travel times are useful for comparison and learning, not for predicting how long any real mission would take.

Scientific data disclaimer

Planet facts on PlanetPath, such as diameter, gravity, orbital period, rotation period, temperature and number of known moons, are approximate reference values drawn from publicly available scientific sources and rounded for readability. The orbital model uses publicly published approximate orbital elements for the planets, applied with PlanetPath’s own code.

Scientific knowledge changes. Some values, such as moon counts, are updated as new discoveries are confirmed, and measurements can be refined over time. Figures on PlanetPath may therefore differ from the latest published data.

No official space agency affiliation

PlanetPath is an independent educational website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or operated by NASA, ESA, SpaceX or any other space agency, company or organization.

Where PlanetPath mentions an organization, spacecraft or mission, or refers to publicly available data, it does so only for identification and educational context. This does not imply any relationship with, or approval from, that organization.

External websites

PlanetPath may link to other websites for reference or further reading. We don’t control those websites and aren’t responsible for their content, accuracy, availability or privacy practices. A link does not mean we endorse the website or its content.

Limitation of liability

PlanetPath and its content are provided “as is”. To the extent permitted by applicable law, PlanetPath is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information or calculation on the website.

Some places do not allow certain liabilities to be limited. In those places, this limitation applies only as far as the law allows. See our Terms of Use for more detail.

Updates and corrections

We may update, correct or remove content at any time, including calculator methods, reference values and explanations, without prior notice. When this Disclaimer changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

If you believe something on PlanetPath is incorrect or out of date, we’d like to hear from you. Reports that include a checkable source are especially helpful.

Contact

If you have questions about this Disclaimer, please get in touch through our contact form.