N-body Simulations

N-body simulations are a method used in astrophysics and cosmology to model the behavior of multiple celestial bodies, such as stars, planets, or galaxies, under the influence of gravity. Imagine tracking how a group of marbles interacts when rolled on a table; each marble's movement affects the others. In N-body simulations, computers calculate the gravitational forces between numerous bodies over time, allowing scientists to study complex systems like galaxy formation, star clusters, or the dynamics of planetary systems, revealing insights into the structure and evolution of the universe.