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Computer simulation is undoubtedly a very powerful tool for
the scientist looking to squeeze every last bit of insight
from a study, but the results are often too esoteric to be
understood by many from the outside. It may even be difficult
for the computational researcher to convey what he has
discovered to other computational scientists in different
disciplines.
The Solar System Simulator is a web-based program that lets you view some important nearby stellar objects from a variety of vantage points. For instance, you could see what Saturn looked like from Earth at 7AM today, or you could have a look at the Sun's view of Pluto at 11PM on Saturday evening. You can also control the field of view (degrees you see) and the size of the image. Extra options include the addition of planet and satellite orbits, constellation lines and adjustment of the picture brightness. Sounds pretty nifty, huh? But how does it actually work? Well, this particular simulator appears to operate a little differently from the ones we've investigated in the past. Instead of performing calculations to determine a planet's orientations, size (as viewed), etc., the program queries databases at JPL (NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory) to determine the actual properties to the accuracy that NASA knows them. As a result of relying on this high-quality data, the image produced is thought to be a very accurate depiction of what you would see were you really there. Using experimentally determined data to perform a simulation is sometimes referred to as an empirical calculation. This is similar to what happens in classical dynamic simulations where forcefield databases are used to determine particle interactions. (These kinds of simulations are "semi-empirical" because not all information is queried from a database). The Solar System Simulator definitely has the capability of showing the power of simulation to anyone who cares to try it out. For your own trip through the Milky Way, visit the web page at Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article You Can SEE the Results in Scientific Computing is owned by Adam Hughes. Permission to republish You Can SEE the Results in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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