SUMMARY
The discussion centers on finding a gravity simulator capable of placing new celestial bodies arbitrarily, specifically for simulating a one-tonne projectile launched retrograde from Luna at approximately 2.7 km/s. The user seeks to understand the perturbative effects of the sun on the projectile's orbit compared to a basic Earth-Luna scenario. While "Gravity Lab" is mentioned as a basic iPad app for illustrating general relativity, it lacks the necessary features for advanced simulations. The recommended solution is to use the astrophysical code "Gadget" for N-body problems or "Universe Sandbox," which allows for arbitrary body placement, although initial results showed significant orbital inclination issues.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of N-body simulations and gravitational interactions
- Familiarity with Unix systems for software installation
- Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics and celestial dynamics
- Experience with coding or programming for custom simulations
NEXT STEPS
- Explore the installation and usage of "Gadget" for N-body simulations
- Investigate "Universe Sandbox" for its capabilities in simulating arbitrary body placements
- Research orbital mechanics to better understand the effects of gravitational perturbations
- Learn coding techniques for developing custom gravity simulation software
USEFUL FOR
Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, software developers interested in simulation, and educators looking to demonstrate gravitational interactions will benefit from this discussion.