Inspiration
Dark matter is the universe's biggest enigma, constituting 85% of all matter but not appearing in our telescopes. We have tried to develop an interactive tool that allows individuals to comprehend why astronomers are so sure that dark matter exists, despite its invisibility. Through galaxy rotation curves and dark matter effect visualization, we would like to render this intangible concept more tangible to everyone.
What it does
DarkVader is an interactive galaxy simulation of 3D showing how dark matter influences galaxy rotation. The user can:
- Build a realistic galaxy with 15,000 star particles and 15,000 dark matter particles
- Alter parameters like dark matter mass, normal matter mass, and black hole mass
- Watch live changes in rotation curves and particle movements
- Compare velocities with and without dark matter to calculated velocities
- Describe WIMP flux predictions and detection thresholds
- Investigate galaxy dynamics using interactive data visualization
How we built it
We employed DarkVader with:
- Next.js as frontend framework
- Three.js for 3D visualization and particle systems
- React Three Fiber for use with React and Three.js
- Data visualization with science using Recharts
- Realistic astronomical constants and formulas for realistic physics simulation
- WebGL for hardware-accelerated rendering
- Tailwind CSS for responsive design
Challenges we ran into
- Performance optimization with 15,000 particles and smooth animation
- Including accurate physics calculations of orbital speeds
- Creation of realistic particle distribution for spiral galaxy arms
- Merging beauty with scientific precision
- Managing state over multiple interactive elements
- Ensuring adequate scaling of astronomical units and constants
Things we're proud of accomplishing
- Created a scientifically accurate but stunningly lovely simulation of a galaxy
- Correctly utilized real-world astronomical equations for galaxy movement
- Exhibited silky performance with thousands of particles
- Designed an interactive interface for complex scientific concepts
- Designed a tool that can be utilized for teaching and research visualization
- Integrated several intricate visualization libraries with success
What we learned
- Advanced Three.js methods with particle systems
- Real-world physics implementation in JavaScript
- Enhancing the performance of complex 3D scenes
- Scientific visualization best practices
- The physics of dark matter and galaxy dynamics
- Balance between correctness and user experience matters
What's next for DarkVader
- Support for VR-based interactive exploration
- Add more types of galaxies and merger simulations
- Add in guided tours and teaching tutorials
- Add more advanced analytical tools
- Incorporate comparison with real galaxy data - Conduct MOND theory comparisons - Create a mobile version - Use more interactive learning aids. - Extend the simulation across many billion years to encompass galaxy evolution. - Integrate with real astronomical databases
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