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Gravitational Waves Simulator (2D)

Interactive 2D binary-merger simulator: watch two stars spiral together and radiate gravitational waves, then read the chirp waveform a LIGO-style detector would record — with real controls for mass and separation.

Physics & Mechanics2DEasy60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D companion to the 3D gravitational-waves simulator draws a binary star system from above: two stars orbit each other while their separation, chirp frequency and strain amplitude update in real time from the same energy-loss physics that drives a real inspiral. A LIGO-style strip chart along the bottom plots the strain waveform h(t) the pair would produce in a real detector, sweeping upward in both pitch and amplitude until the stars merge and the signal rings down. Adjust each star's mass and the starting separation to see how heavier, closer binaries chirp faster and merge sooner.

⚙ Under the hood

Watch two stars spiral together in a top-down 2D view and read the LIGO-style chirp waveform their merger radiates, with real controls for mass and orbital separation.

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install