Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
and Scale Z channels in the Channel Box shown in Figure 2.8. Alternatively, you can
enter a value of
4
in the Input box on the Status line along the top of the UI, as shown
here. Don't worry; we'll take an in-depth look at both of these
methods in the next chapter.
7. After you enter the final value through either method, press
Enter, and the sphere will grow to be four times its original
size (at a scale of 1). When you enter the values in either
the Channel Box or the Input box, a scale of 4 appears in all
three fields, as shown in Figure 2.8, and your Sun expands
in size by a factor of 4. Entering exact values in the Channel
Box or Input box is a way to scale the sphere precisely; using
the Manipulator isn't as precise.
Figure 2.8
The Sun's Scale values
in the Channel Box
Creating the Planets
Next, you'll create the primitive spheres you'll be using for the planets. Leave Interactive
Creation off, and follow these steps:
1. Create a NURBS sphere for Mercury just as you did before, by choosing Create
➔
NURBS Primitives
➔
Sphere. A new sphere appears at the origin. Click its name in
the Channel Box, and change it to
Mercury
.
2. Choose the Move tool from the Tool Box to activate the Move Manipulator, and
move Mercury a few grid units away from the Sun in the positive
X
direction. (Click
the red arrow and drag it to the right.) Leave about two grid units between Mercury
and the Sun.
3. Because Mercury is the second smallest planet and is tiny compared to the Sun, scale it
down to
1
⁄
20
the size of the Sun, or type in 0.2 in all three axes of scale if you choose to
enter the values manually in the Channel Box.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to create the rest of the planets and line them up, placing
each one farther out along the
X
-axis. Be sure to keep about two grid units of space
between them. Scale each one proportionally as follows:
Venus
0.5
Earth
0.5
Mars
0.4
Jupiter
1.0
Saturn
0.9
Uranus
0.7
Neptune
0.7
Pluto
0.15
These proportions aren't exactly the same as those found in the real Solar System, but
they will do nicely here. Figure 2.9 shows how your Solar System should look now.
