As of: March 6, 2024, 7:08 p.m
By: Nico Reiter
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A research team is trying to determine the weight of our galaxy using a mathematical formula.
The key to the calculation is the stellar speed.
Cambridge – How can you determine the mass of something as massive as the Milky Way?
Can you add up the weight of stars, interstellar gases and dust, and dark matter?
In their study, a team of researchers presents a new approach to solving this puzzle.
Scientists use speed of stars to calculate mass of Milky Way
Their approach is based on the observation that the speed of stars changes depending on their distance from the center of the galaxy.
This so-called rotation curve can provide information about the mass of the Milky Way, which could be anywhere between 600 billion and a trillion solar masses.
This wide range shows how difficult it is to determine mass precisely.
How much does the Milky Way weigh?
© biophoto/Imago
The new study focuses on the escape velocity of stars.
If a star is fast enough, it can escape the Milky Way's gravity.
The minimum speed required for this depends on the mass of the galaxy.
If this minimum speed can be measured, the weight of the galaxy can then be calculated.
However, there are very few stars that can actually escape gravity.
Lighter than expected: Weight of the Milky Way at 640 billion suns
The research team from the Universities of Cambridge and San Diego analyzed data on stellar velocities collected by the Gaia spacecraft.
By measuring the speed and position of these stars, the escape velocity at different locations at different distances from the center of the galaxy could be determined.
By the way, a star from outside our galaxy found its way into the center.
From these speeds, the researchers calculated the mass of the Milky Way and came to an astonishing result of 640 billion solar masses.
This number is at the lower end of previous estimates.
If correct, this suggests that the Milky Way contains less dark matter than previously thought.
Another research team has already concluded that the center of the galaxy contains less dark matter and is less dense than expected.
This was also determined by the movement of the stars.
The appearance of the Milky Way also holds surprises for researchers.
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