Author Question: How does the rotation curve method differ from the analysis of binary stars? What will be an ... (Read 105 times)

sdfghj

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 552
How does the rotation curve method differ from the analysis of binary stars?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Red dwarfs (have/have not) yet died or evolved off the main sequence.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



tandmlomax84

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 323
Answer to Question 1

Although there are a few ways to estimate the mass of a galaxy, the most direct measurement uses Kepler's third law of planetary motion. We used this method in an earlier chapter to find the masses of binary stars. If astronomers can measure the radius of a galaxy and the velocity with which it rotates, they can easily find the orbital periods of the stars as they orbit the galaxy. Then they can use Newton's version of Kepler's third law to calculate the mass of the galaxy. The most accurate of these studies involve observing the rotation of the galaxy at different distances from its center and drawing a graph called the rotation curve of the galaxy. Using such a graph to find the mass of the galaxy is called the rotation curve method. It is the most accurate way to find the mass, but it works only for the nearer galaxies, whose rotation curves can be observed. More distant galaxies appear so small astronomers cannot measure the radial velocity at different points across the galaxy.

Answer to Question 2

have not



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Fungal nail infections account for up to 30% of all skin infections. They affect 5% of the general population—mostly people over the age of 70.

Did you know?

Oliver Wendell Holmes is credited with introducing the words "anesthesia" and "anesthetic" into the English language in 1846.

Did you know?

The senior population grows every year. Seniors older than 65 years of age now comprise more than 13% of the total population. However, women outlive men. In the 85-and-over age group, there are only 45 men to every 100 women.

Did you know?

Pubic lice (crabs) are usually spread through sexual contact. You cannot catch them by using a public toilet.

Did you know?

In most climates, 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is recommended for adults. The best indicator for adequate fluid intake is frequent, clear urination.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library