Simulation Controls
Reference Frame
Display Mode
Shows particle trails as planets move through their orbits
Shows complete orbital paths as static lines
Orbital Scaling
Note: Orbital radii scaled for display; periods remain proportional to real values
Animation Settings
Display Options
Current Reference Frame
Heliocentric Reference Frame
With the Sun as the center, all planets follow simple, predictable circular or elliptical orbits.
Mathematical Complexity:
Minimal
This model replaced the complex geocentric system and forms the foundation of modern astronomy.
Key Insights
This simulation demonstrates that motion is relative to the observer's reference frame. While any celestial body can serve as the center of our coordinate system, the choice dramatically affects the complexity of describing planetary motions.
The heliocentric model's power lies not in absolute truth, but in mathematical simplicity. If simplicity of description is not the goal, the choice of reference frame becomes subjective and depends on practical considerations.