Original Post
I'm writing a gravity physics simulator for a class. The actual physics part is looking good. The end demo application will have a model of the solar system, and then I will have some fun adding things like a second star or a black hole [grin]. The problem I'm having is finding good data on the actual planets. Yes, I can find the perigee and apogee and inclination and all that, but they don't say in relationship to what. Here's an example: Pluto has an inclination of 17.15 degrees from the ecliptic. The highest point of Pluto could be right above the apogee of Earth, it could be half way between the apogee and perigee, or it could be anywhere else. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if all of the other planets were perfectly circular orbits...but the universe isn't perfect. Yes, I could make something up and no one would know the difference, but I'd like to make it as accurate as possible. This is made more frustrating by the fact that so many places assume the planets have circular orbits. I suppose if I found out the position of the planets right now I could do some math to figure this out, but I'd prefer an easier way. Can anyone guide me some place? What sort of orbital information am I going to need?