N-body simulation

An N-body simulation is a computational model used to understand how multiple celestial bodies, like stars or planets, interact with each other through gravity. In these simulations, "N" represents the number of bodies being studied, which can range from a few to millions. The simulation calculates their positions, velocities, and gravitational effects over time, helping scientists predict their movements and understand complex celestial dynamics—such as the formation of galaxies or the behavior of orbiting moons—without the constraints of physical experimentation. These simulations are crucial in astrophysics and cosmology for exploring our universe.