Gravitational Variances in Space

In summary, the conversation discusses the primary forces that govern galaxies, including the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. There is evidence that galaxies and supermassive black holes form and evolve together, exerting mutual feedback that governs their dynamics. The conversation also mentions the concept of "coasting" and how it relates to movement in space.
  • #1
Maximilan
17
0
Hello,

Once free of a planet's gravity, isn't one then subject to the primary force that governs that galaxy (ex. the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way), in addition to the one that governs its solar system? What are the numerical values of these forces? Variances would occur with distance, but has anybody tried to measure these as independant forces, or can these values only be summed up only as one value? Also, if you were maintaining a constant speed of propulsion towards the center of the Milky Way, wouldn't you accelerate as you got closer?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Well, first of all the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy is NOT what is governing the galaxy. The matter that orbits the center of the galaxy does so because the collective gravity of the galaxies mass itself combined with the rotation pulls it into a disc shape. The black hole is only a very small portion of the total mass of the galaxy. (Also, dark matter is presumed to be one of the primary sources of mass that holds the galaxy together)

Constant speed of propulsion? Do you mean you were "coasting" there with zero acceleration due to your own engines? If so, then yes, you would begin to accelerate as you approached the high mass of the center of the galaxy.
 
  • #3
Yale University:

"There is increasing evidence that galaxies and supermassive black holes form and evolve together, exerting mutual feedback that governs the galaxy dynamics and the black hole mass. During their growth phase, supermassive black holes are readily visible as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)." http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2006AAS...20922301S
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
Constant speed of propulsion? Do you mean you were "coasting" there with zero acceleration due to your own engines? If so, then yes, you would begin to accelerate as you approached the high mass of the center of the galaxy.

No not "coasting," constant speed after achieving the desired speed to perform the test.

Thank you for responding
 
  • #5
Maximilan said:
Yale University:

"There is increasing evidence that galaxies and supermassive black holes form and evolve together, exerting mutual feedback that governs the galaxy dynamics and the black hole mass. During their growth phase, supermassive black holes are readily visible as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)." http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2006AAS...20922301S

Not sure why you linked this, as it doesn't disagree with my statement. The formation of the galaxy and supermassive black hole are related and the black hole obviously effects the galaxy through its gravitational interaction. However it is not the main thing that holds the galaxy together, as I said above.

Maximilan said:
No not "coasting," constant speed after achieving the desired speed to perform the test.

Thank you for responding

That is coasting.
 
  • #6
Drakkith said:
That is coasting.

Ahhh - no. "Coasting" implies you took your foot of the gas and are in the process of deceleration.

Coasting as defined by motor's control training:
"The natural rate of deceleration of a motor when the power is removed. Coasting is the simplest deceleration method." http://www.toolingu.com/definition-460380-35059-coasting.html
 
  • #7
Maximilan said:
Ahhh - no. "Coasting" implies you took your foot of the gas and are in the process of deceleration.

Coasting as defined by motor's control training:
"The natural rate of deceleration of a motor when the power is removed. Coasting is the simplest deceleration method." http://www.toolingu.com/definition-460380-35059-coasting.html

Coast: verb (used without object): to continue to move or advance after effort has ceased; keep going on acquired momentum. "We cut off the car engine and coasted for a while."
Coast: verb (used with object): to cause to move along under acquired momentum. "to coast a rocket around the sun."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/coast

While it usually is meant in terms of coasting in a car, it is applicable to any movement after whatever force is accelerating you is removed.
 
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1. What are gravitational variances in space?

Gravitational variances in space refer to the differences in gravitational forces experienced in different regions of space. This is due to variations in the distribution and strength of gravitational fields caused by the presence of massive objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies.

2. How do gravitational variances affect space travel?

Gravitational variances can impact space travel by altering the trajectory and speed of spacecraft. For example, a spacecraft traveling near a massive object may experience a stronger gravitational force, which can either accelerate or decelerate its speed. This must be taken into account in space missions to ensure the spacecraft follows the desired path.

3. Are gravitational variances the same throughout the universe?

No, gravitational variances can vary greatly depending on the location in the universe. The distribution and strength of gravitational fields are influenced by the mass and density of objects in a particular region of space. Therefore, the gravitational variances can differ between galaxies, stars, and even within our own solar system.

4. Can gravitational variances be measured?

Yes, gravitational variances can be measured by using instruments such as accelerometers, which can detect changes in gravitational forces. Scientists also use mathematical models and data from observations to map out the gravitational fields in different regions of space.

5. How do gravitational variances impact the formation of celestial bodies?

Gravitational variances play a crucial role in the formation of celestial bodies such as planets, stars, and galaxies. The gravitational forces between particles of gas and dust can cause them to clump together and form larger structures. These structures then continue to grow through the influence of gravitational variances, eventually forming the massive objects we see in space.

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