Motion of the planets: the calculation and visualization in Mathcad

Abstract

This article describes use of Mathcad mathematical package to solve problem of the motion of two, three and four material points under the influence of gravitational forces on the planar motion and in three-dimensional space. The limits of accuracy of numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations are discussed. Usual concept of Kepler hours with uneven movement arrows illustrates Kepler's second law. Mathcad animation tools are used to illustrate solutions and links with animations are provided.