Just how complex can we make our systems?

[TheAlchemyst]

I use Celestia right now to display every single named Small Body in our solar system - comes to about 200,000 objects.

I am interested in exanding into Universe Sandbox so I can start messing with gravitational forces. Is it feasible to expect to be able to convert JPL's datasets on small bodies into this program?

[smjjames]

It can be as complex as your computer can handle. There isn't any limitation on complexity in Ubox, the real limiting factor is the computer.

Still though, right now, 2,000 objects would lag most peoples Ubox severely, or even crash it. Even 1,000 is enough to lag things badly.

With the multicore capability enabled in US3, that number will be increased, but you'd need serious processing capability to handle 200,000 because it doesn't just have to name and display them, it has to simulate them, which Celestia doesn't.

[vh]

Dan mentioned a new formula/thing of calculating which you reduce lag and you might be able to simulate about 2000? objects without lag.

[TheAlchemyst]

Ah, ok, well guess this wouldn't suit my needs then. Thanks!

[vh]

It'd be cool if you could lock and objects orbit. Kinda like vector graphics analogically