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wolram
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What is it that makes a galaxy rotate, is the gas it was formed from rotating?
If I would say: Yes, the gas it was formed from rotating...,wolram said:What is it that makes a galaxy rotate, is the gas it was formed from rotating?
A small tornado can make a hundred turns in a second. A huge cyclone can make only one turn in a week; otherwise it would be unstable.smallphi said:The interesting question is why such a rotation of the system as a whole is observed on galaxy scales but not on galaxy cluster scales.
smallphi said:The matter was rotating locally when the galaxy formed, like local turbulent swirls in otherwise expanding gas. The interesting question is why such a rotation of the system as a whole is observed on galaxy scales but not on galaxy cluster scales.
The FRW metrics, describing the homogenous approximation to the Universe, are not rotating as a whole. I expect non-rotation on scales for which the Universe seems homogeneous, currently 100 Mpc. Galaxy cluster scale is way below that so I asked in another thread why clusters are not rotating with zero answers.
wolram said:...rotation must occur in issolated systems, (seperate clouds of gas), i have read about the conservation of angular momentum but why would this have a preferred direction in a vast cloud of gas.
Rotational forces in galaxies refer to the forces that act upon stars and gas within a galaxy, causing them to rotate around the galaxy's center of mass. These forces are primarily due to the gravitational pull of the galaxy's mass.
Rotational forces play a crucial role in determining the shape and structure of galaxies. They help to maintain the overall disk shape of spiral galaxies and contribute to the formation of spiral arms and galactic bars. In elliptical galaxies, rotational forces are less significant as the stars and gas tend to move in random directions.
Gas also plays a significant role in rotational forces within galaxies. As the gas rotates around the center of mass, it exerts a force on the stars, influencing their orbits. This gas can also be a source of fuel for star formation, which can further impact the rotational forces within a galaxy.
Scientists study rotational forces in galaxies through various methods, including observations from telescopes, simulations, and theoretical models. They can measure the velocities of stars and gas within a galaxy and use this information to understand the rotational forces at play.
Beyond rotational forces, there are other factors at play in the dynamics of galaxies, such as dark matter and interactions with other galaxies. These additional forces can impact the rotational motion and overall structure of galaxies, making them important areas of study for scientists.