Solar System Simulation (VPython)

An interactive 3D solar system simulation built with VPython. It models planetary motion using Newtonian gravity and includes features like meteor impacts and a black hole mode.

#Features

• Simulates the Sun and 9 planets (including Pluto)
• Elliptical orbits initialized using Keplerian mechanics
• Real-time gravitational interactions between bodies
• Meteor spawning with collision detection and explosion effects
• Toggleable black hole replacing the Sun
• Clickable bodies with information display
• Background starfield and asteroid belt
• Orbital trails for visualization

#Controls Mouse click: Select a body and toggle its information panel B: Toggle black hole mode M: Spawn a meteor targeting the selected body R: Reset the simulation

#Physics Model

The simulation uses Newton’s law of gravitation:

F = G * m1 * m2 / r^2

Positions and velocities are updated using the Velocity Verlet integration method for better stability in orbital motion.

#Units:

• Distance: meters (scaled using astronomical units)
• Time step: 3600 seconds (1 hour per step) ======================================================================================================== #Requirements

Install VPython:

pip install vpython

#How to Run

python your_script_name.py

This will open the simulation in a browser window.

#Project Structure

Body (abstract base class)

Handles physics properties (position, velocity, acceleration) Manages rendering via VPython

Derived classes:

Star Planet Meteor BlackHole

SolarSystemSimulation

Main simulation controller Handles physics updates, rendering, input events, and object lifecycle Key Mechanics

Orbital Initialization: Planets are initialized at perihelion using:

v = sqrt((G * M / a) * ((1 + e) / (1 - e)))

#Collision System:

Meteors collide when within a threshold distance Explosions expand and fade over time Meteors are removed after impact

#Cleanup:

Meteors are removed if they travel beyond 20 AU

#Notes

• Planet sizes are scaled up for visibility
• Distances are scaled down using AU to fit the scene
• Textures are loaded from external URLs
• Possible Improvements
• Add moons and hierarchical orbits
• Camera tracking or follow mode
• GUI controls for simulation speed
• More accurate physics (e.g., relativity near black holes) ======================================================================================================== #License

This project is intended for educational use.