The best physics simulators, according to hackers
4 physics simulators recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedGravity solar system simulator23 people recommend it
- Least regretInteractive 3D three-body problem simulator20 recommend, 5 criticize
All physics simulators
- Gravity solar system simulatorBrowser solar-system simulator people find fun to explore and useful for learning orbits and scale. Caveat: on mobile, text panels cover much of the screen and hide the sun.23recommend
- Interactive 3D three-body problem simulatorFree browser simulator for watching 3D three-body orbits, with presets and many settings people find fun. Critics note energy isn't conserved and orbits often fly apart.20recommend
- Falstad Math and Physics SimulationsA free collection of interactive math and physics simulations that run in the browser, recommended for students and anyone who wants to explore wave and physics behavior visually.6recommend
- Newton's OrchardA browser-based space and gravity playground that people say helps newcomers understand the physics through its dynamic visualization, with visuals that one commenter found on par with Stellarium.5recommend