# Simulating how comets travel with Newtonian physics

Imagine that a comet enters the solar system from Oort cloud, what concepts and laws does one need to take into consideration to simulate how it travels?

I'm about to start researching how to write such a simulation. Of course there is the force of gravity between the comet and the planets. Ideas for what other things I need to take into consideration?

If you know any introductory books that deal with the physics of how comets travel through the solar system that would be very welcome as well.

• How accurate a result are you wanting? – Kyle Kanos Jan 21 '14 at 20:51
• @KyleKanos I want as accurate as I can get with Newtonian physics. I understand that relativistic effects will probably affect comets some, but I don't want the physics to get too complicated. – user714 Jan 21 '14 at 20:53
• To do that, you can take a look to the N-Body Problem and some methods to solve differential equations numerically with the computer: Runge-Kutta, Euler or Taylor expansion. That depends of the precision you want. – VictorSeven Jan 21 '14 at 20:57
• Then you'll have to track the $F=GmM/r^2$ forces of the planets as they move in their orbit, which is no small task – Kyle Kanos Jan 21 '14 at 20:58
• Yes, you've reason. However, that's why I said him to investigate on N-Body problem. It's an unsolved problem, but some approaches has been made; that could simplify a bit the problem. Maybe it isn't the most efficient way, but I think it's a good place to start with. – VictorSeven Jan 21 '14 at 21:30