Shape: A 3D Modeling Tool for Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper introduces Shape, an interactive 3D modeling tool for astrophysics that allows flexible, assumption-light morphological reconstructions and automatic parameter optimization based on observational data.

Contribution

Shape is one of the first publicly available tools enabling interactive graphics for astrophysical modeling with minimal physical assumptions.

Findings

Successfully used in multiple astrophysical research projects.

Allows interactive definition of 3D structures.

Automates model fitting to observational data.

Abstract

We present a flexible interactive 3D morpho-kinematical modeling application for astrophysics. Compared to other systems, our application reduces the restrictions on the physical assumptions, data type and amount that is required for a reconstruction of an object's morphology. It is one of the first publicly available tools to apply interactive graphics to astrophysical modeling. The tool allows astrophysicists to provide a-priori knowledge about the object by interactively defining 3D structural elements. By direct comparison of model prediction with observational data, model parameters can then be automatically optimized to fit the observation. The tool has already been successfully used in a number of astrophysical research projects.