Galactic dynamics

Galactic Rotation

The Milky Way's disc does not turn as a solid body: inner and outer stars complete their orbits at different rates. Yet the orbital speed stays surprisingly flat far from the centre instead of falling off, one of the clearest signs that the visible Galaxy is embedded in a massive halo of unseen dark matter.

Highlights

›The flat rotation curve — evidence for dark matter

Galaxy Rotation Curves
Dark Matter
The Milky Way

Across the Galaxy

The Solar Neighbourhood

Knowledge connections

Associated withThe Solar Neighbourhood
Associated withGalaxy Rotation Curves
Associated withDark Matter
Associated withThe Milky Way

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

ESOEuropean Southern Observatory
Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).

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Galactic Rotation

Highlights

Galaxy, objects & concepts

Across the Galaxy

Knowledge connections

Sources

Galactic Rotation

Highlights

Galaxy, objects & concepts

Across the Galaxy

Knowledge connections

Sources