You can move the camera, approach the event horizon, adjust the appearance, and export cinematic videos. It combines gravitational lensing with artistic effects inspired by Interstellar.
Physics
It traces light backward from the camera through curved spacetime, using the Schwarzschild model for a nonrotating black hole or the Kerr model for a rotating one. Light can escape, intersect the disk, or fall into the hole. This produces the distorted disk and black-hole shadow. An approximate fluid model evolves the gas, while optional physical rendering includes gravitational redshift and Doppler effects. It does not simulate full relativistic magnetized plasma.
Coding
The application uses C++ and OpenGL. C++ manages the simulation, camera, interface, and exports; GPU shaders calculate light paths and render the image. The disk uses a polar grid with stored history so different light-travel times can sample different moments. Bloom, color grading, and fine particle details enhance the appearance. CPU reference calculations and automated tests check the renderer’s accuracy.
Soon to be available in CAst.