bowie


bowie, a Python code which solves a second order system of autonomous differential equations of the form y''=f(y). Note that this rules out general right hand sides of the form y''=f(t,y,y'). Initial conditions y(t0) and y'(t0) are given. The algorithm was used by NASA for astronomical orbit calculations. It has a high accuracy, but is not widely known or documented.

Licensing:

The information on this web page is distributed under the MIT license.

Languages:

bowie is available in a Python version.

Related Data and Programs:

python_ode_solver, a Python code which solves one or more differential equations (ODE) using a method of a particular order, either explicit or implicit. Some methods require a nonlinear equation solver. Some methods used a fixed stepsize, while others adapt the stepsize based on an error estimate.

Reference:

  1. John D Cook,
    Bowie integrator and the nonlinear pendulum,
    https://www.johndcook.com/blog/2025/12/23/bowie-integrator-and-the-nonlinear-pendulum/
    Posted 23 December 2025, updated 04 January 2026.
  2. NASA Orbital Flight Handbook Part 1,
    Pages IV-8 and IV-9,
    https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19630011221/downloads/19630011221.pdf
  3. Alex Scarazzini,
    3D Visualization of a Schwarzschild Black Hole Environment.
    Master's Thesis,
    University of Bern, August 2025.
  4. Source Code:


    Last revised on 06 January 2026.