🌍 Planetary Orbit Simulation using Python 📌 Project Overview
This project simulates the motion of planets around the Sun based on Newtonian mechanics and real astronomical constants (Gravitational constant, Astronomical Unit). It visualizes orbital trajectories, gravitational interactions, and planetary distances in a 2D space using Pygame.
The simulation helps demonstrate core principles of orbital mechanics, making it useful for educational and research purposes.
✨ Features
Realistic planetary orbits using physics-based calculations.
Visualization of gravitational attraction and orbit paths.
Distance display from planets to the Sun.
Extendable to include more planets or moons.
GUI menu with Start and Quit options.
Live simulation clock and optional sound effects.
🛠️ Tech Stack
Language: Python
Libraries:
pygame (graphics & animation)
math (physics calculations)
🚀 How to Run
Install Python (>=3.8).
Install dependencies:
pip install pygame
Run the simulation:
python planet_simulation.py
📊 Example Output
Visualization of Sun and planetary bodies orbiting in real-time.
Orbital paths traced dynamically.
Simulation clock displaying time progression in days.
🌌 Relevance to Space Research (ISRO/VSSC)
Demonstrates orbital mechanics applicable to mission trajectory planning.
Useful for understanding gravitational interactions in multi-body systems.
Serves as a foundation for more advanced projects such as live planetary tracking or satellite orbit prediction.
📈 Future Enhancements
Add real-time planetary data (using Skyfield).
Extend simulation to include moons and asteroids.
3D visualization of orbits.
Collision detection and path prediction.