This application started out as a study of Newtonian physics, but evolved into a 2D simulation of the solar system. (Viewed from the south, because Jupiter just wouldn't be Jupiter without the great red spot.) The source code is available for developers who would like to make their own customizations and unique scenarios - like sending a black hole through the solar system. For the casual user, this program allows you to truly become familiar with the solar system. Flying a space ship with unlimited fuel, lots of dials to guide you to your destination, and one less dimension to worry about, you can experience the vast distances, enormous speeds and tremendous power of gravity first hand as you travel around the solar system. Yet you will find that space travel still require great skill and patience to master. However, it will also give you the context to understand these huge numbers when you read about space stories in the newspapers. A great tool to get kids interested in space too.
Project Samples
