Should I explore each system 100%?

[PKDecatur]

I've noticed that some systems have some planets with huge orbits that have empty space. Should I explore along every orbit line, even if there's no asteroids or bases marked there on the map? Also, does purchasing a system map reveal everything in a system, or are there hidden things left over?

[digdug]

HI PKDecatur,
sorry for the delay in the answers, but I'm mostly on the official forums now.

Latest additions to the game community are an IRC channel and a wiki.
You can find all the links here
http://xelerus.de

To answer you questions:
yes, there could be something in empty space (rare stations, containers or spawned unmarked wrecks, usually containing goods)
yes, depending on the rom you are using and the level of the system, not all the stations are revealed.
FOr nebulae mapping, use Domina's power, that's much better than any rom, and it recharges itself

Have fun

[the wanderer]

I agree with digdug.

unless you are dangerously low on ammo or badly damaged and need to get to a friendly station quickly it's always adviseable to search through the enmpy sectors of each system. I usually go with a systamatic approach starting at the gate then flying a circuit around the system from planet to planet. this way you're likly to find atleast 90% of stations and other things in a system. granted it's never 100% as space is BIG and your sensors can only cover a small portion of it