Simulations are always more fun when they go wrong. This one was supposed to be a galaxy that falls into a cluster and gets harassed. Somehow, the code decided to completely ignore the dark matter and star particle files so it was just a fast-rotating disc of gas which explodes. Then it gradually falls back into the cluster where the other galaxies turn it into this vast, complex, three-dimensional structure.
How this happened I have absolutely no idea. It shouldn't be possible, because all the files are copied from a master directory, so there's no way the dark matter file should be empty. But it is anyway. Even removing the dark matter shouldn't be enough to make it explode - the outer parts should fly off, but the inner part should remain bound. But it didn't. Oh well.
If insanity is trying to do the same thing twice and expecting a different result, then I guess I must be insane. I re-ran it and got a much more normal galaxy than just gets a little bit disturbed and definitely doesn't explode, which is exactly what was supposed to happen and happens to every single other run. It shall remain forever a minor mystery, but it's fun to watch.
This is extremely cool, watching what seems to be a Lissajous Curve forming...
ReplyDeleteOh, it's definitely the Universe sending a big INFINITY symbol at me. No question.
ReplyDeleteRhys Taylor Nature hates an infinity, just like a simulation hates a failed file open...
ReplyDeleteT'was an errant cosmic ray that spoilt thy simulation.
ReplyDelete