| Initially we see the inner part of the Solar system with the
planets out to Jupiter. The Sun is held static in the centre of the
screen.
Zoom in to see how orbits of the inner planets are very stable.
You will notice that the orbits of Venus and Earth are quite circular
while Mercury is a bit eccentric (slightly elliptical).
You will notice that only a small part of the orbit of Halley's
Comet can initially be seen as it is very eccentric (as for all
comets). Use the Tilt control to see how
the planet orbits are very nearly in the same plane while Halley's
orbit has quite a large inclination. You will see Halley go round the
Sun in 2061.
Tilt back so that Earth's orbit looks
circular, then Zoom out until you can see
all of Halley's orbit. You should now be able to see out as far as
Neptune and Pluto. See how Pluto spends some of its time closer to the
Sun than Neptune. Use Tilt again to see how Pluto's orbit is also
quite inclined to the plane of the other planets.
Zoom out even more and you will eventually see the Trans-Neptunian
object Sedna. It is amazing
to see how small the orbits of the "normal" planets are in comparison. Speed
up the integration (say a display interval of 40 days). Notice how its
osculating elements 'vibrate' in synchronisation with (mainly)
Jupiter's period.
This integration includes all the major bodies of the Solar System
plus Halley's comet and Sedna. Integration steps are variable.
Integration method is Yoshida 6th Order. The Sun is held static as the
central body.
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