galaxy2
Stellar Simulation
Galaxy2 is program which simulates the motion of
stars under the influence of gravity. Create a field of random stars
to begin with, then watch the stars move as they are accelerated by
their mutual gravitational attractions. Watch how the attractive
forces accelerate individual stars to send them in new directions.
Watch large groups of stars develop spiral arms over time. Galaxy2
can be used as a learning aid for young students of science.
1000 stars

2000 stars

4000 stars

8000 stars

16000 stars

video
This is a 3.7 minute video with several short segments showing
Galaxy simulations. The first segment has only 10 stars, so you can
watch them pulling on each-other and how their motions change as a
result. The remaining segments have increasingly greater numbers of
stars. The last segment has 16000 stars and shows the end result
after 10 minutes of simulation - a spiral galaxy.