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, objects & concepts
Across the Galaxy
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Solar Neighbourhood
- Associated withGalaxy Rotation Curves
- Associated withDark Matter
- Associated withThe Milky Way
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ESOEuropean Southern Observatory
Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).