Simulation of 21 M ☉ Star Using Physical Principality
Supernova is a collaboration between Lili Gevorkian, scientist turned software engineer, and astrophysicist David
Vartanyan.
This project was born one eve from a desire to learn data visualization in JavaScript as part of a capstone proposal. A
curious message and mondo-data files later, the journey to the supernova began.
The timelapse illustrates the beginning of the end (of a star). Each rendering is a millisecond snapshot containing
~25,000 datapoints. The simulation presented lasts 4,354 ms or ~4.4 seconds, culminating in an explosion that can
outshine entire galaxies and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime.
Supernova was created purely using JS, Three.js, HTML, & CSS. The sheer volume of data (total ~100 million POJOs and
12 GBs) and rendering speed of Three.js created limitations. Space and time complexity were assessed and optimized.
Use your mouse to rotate around and zoom in + out of the scene.
Note: Current particle coloring does not reflect accurate temperatures. The browser could not keep up with the power required
for dynamic heatmap coloration based on the current algorithms.
Future Features
Dynamic temperature and entropy rendering via heatmap.
3D modeling (z-axis) of current 2D star planes. Timepoints may be scaled down to account for increase in data.
Timepoint scale for slider.
About Us
Lili finds joy in multi-disciplinary work and creative collaboration. She has strong interests in ethical tech and building tools that improve accessibility, independence, and personal expression. Connect with her on LinkedIn, and visit her website (coming soon!).
David studies the theory of core collapse supernova from the end stages of a star's life to its explosion, failed or successful, at the junctions of current nuclear experiments, and future observational efforts to understand their role in the dynamics and composition of the universe.
You can view his dissertation, presented with dance choreography, here and visit his website.
