Galaxy Sim

PHYSICSStudio

A galaxy simulator with multiple structural shapes, dark matter velocity curves, and real-time dwarf galaxy merger collisions.

UpdatedJan 2025

ExportsPNG

Runs onAny browser

PriceFree

Overview

A dynamic physics playground.

Galaxy Sim is a dynamic astrophysical playground. It simulates stellar orbits using a configurable rotation curve—allowing you to toggle between point-mass Keplerian gravity and flat rotation curves powered by a dark matter halo.

Choose between Spiral, Barred Spiral, Elliptical, or Ring galaxies. Enable the merger system to spawn a dwarf galaxy companion and watch tidal tails, bridges, and gravity disruptions unfold in real time. Customize star populations with custom colors and glowing effects.

Features

Built for physics-scale experimentation.

01 / Spotlight

Four galaxy structures

Spiral, Barred Spiral, Elliptical, and Ring—each with its own density and arm logic.

Real merger physics

Spawn a dwarf companion and watch tidal tails and bridges form.

Dark matter halo

Flat rotation curves vs. Keplerian point-mass behavior.

Velocity dispersion

Tune scatter to mimic realistic stellar populations.

Glowing visuals

Color and glow controls for star populations.

How to use

Workflow

Steps take about a minute.

Select a structure type and rotation model from the panel, then tune radius, arms, spin, and velocity dispersion. Toggle the Galaxy Collision switch to launch a companion dwarf galaxy, then watch the collision and merging process evolve. Drag to rotate the 3D camera and scroll to zoom.

Use cases

What people use it for

Visualizing spiral, barred, and elliptical galaxy structures for physics educationSimulating galactic mergers, tidal tails, and gravitational disruptionsDemonstrating dark matter effects on galactic rotation curvesCreating high-resolution space backgrounds and stellar art

FAQ

Common questions

How is the dwarf galaxy collision simulated?+

When active, we split the star count between the main and dwarf galaxies. The two massive galactic cores orbit under mutual gravity, and stars from both galaxies dynamically respond to the gravitational forces of both centers. This creates authentic tidal tails and bridge structures.

What does the Dark Matter option change?+

In classical Keplerian gravity, orbital speeds fall off like 1/sqrt(r), meaning outer stars rotate slower. The flat rotation model adds a simulated dark matter halo force, keeping speeds constant at large radii—matching observations of real galaxies.