Technique · Measurement, Data & Statistics
Galaxy Rotation Curves
Measuring how fast a galaxy rotates at each radius, usually from the Doppler shift of its gas. The stars orbit far faster than the visible matter can explain — the classic evidence that galaxies are embedded in halos of dark matter.
Measurement, Data & StatisticsMeasures: Mass distribution in galaxies
Highlights
- ›The classic evidence for dark matter
Builds on
Knowledge connections
- Member of groupMeasurement, Data & Statistics
- Associated withDark Matter
- Associated withTully–Fisher Relation
- Associated withGalactic Rotation
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.