Data on galaxy rotation curves vs visible matter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for raw data on galaxy rotation curves in relation to visible matter, specifically for testing theories of dark matter. Participants are looking for data that compares visible mass versus total mass at various radii, as well as observed versus expected rotational velocities, including error percentages across different galaxies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a table of data showing visible mass versus total mass within different radii for various galaxies, including observed rotational velocities.
  • Another participant suggests the "SPARC" database created by Stacy McGaugh as a resource for high-quality data on dark matter fitting in galaxies.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the interpretation of data from the SPARC database, particularly about the contributions of gas and disk to observed velocities and the implications for dark matter contributions.
  • One participant notes a relationship observed at low accelerations, stating that observed gravitational acceleration is proportional to the square root of baryonic gravitational acceleration, and references relevant papers for further reading.
  • Participants suggest following McGaugh's blog for additional insights and potential responses to questions posed there.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the SPARC database for obtaining the desired data. However, there is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the data, particularly concerning the contributions of visible matter to observed velocities and the implications for dark matter theories.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the data interpretation and the need for clarification on specific examples from the SPARC database. The discussion does not resolve the confusion regarding the contributions of gas and disk to observed velocities.

bakerjay
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TL;DR
I'm after some raw data (visible mass vs total mass within different radii) for testing theories of dark matter in galaxies.
I'm after some raw data for testing theories of dark matter in galaxies.

Basically what I want is table showing visible mass vs total mass within different radii (or, observed rotational velocity vs expected rotational velocity without dark matter). Plus error percentages. And ideally, for multiple different galaxies.

I've been able to find lots of low-res graphs such as this, which show the sort of data I'm after, but can't seem to find it in table form...

ation_curve_of_spiral_galaxy_Messier_33_Triangulum.png
 
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bakerjay said:
TL;DR Summary: I'm after some raw data (visible mass vs total mass within different radii) for testing theories of dark matter in galaxies.
I guess you have not yet found Stacy McGaugh's website and the extensive, high quality "SPARC" database, together with his data pages?

Prof McGaugh and colleagues have already done vast amounts of that kind of attempted DM fitting, eventually leading himself into deep disappointment about DM. If you can adopt a truly unbiased scientific approach, you would profit by familiarizing yourself with their work over the past 20+ yrs.
 
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strangerep said:
I guess you have not yet found Stacy McGaugh's website and the extensive, high quality "SPARC" database, together with his data pages?

Prof McGaugh and colleagues have already done vast amounts of that kind of attempted DM fitting, eventually leading himself into deep disappointment about DM. If you can adopt a truly unbiased scientific approach, you would profit by familiarizing yourself with their work over the past 20+ yrs.
Oh great, thanks! That looks like the kind of thing I'm after.

I'm having a bit of trouble interpreting some of that - for instance, in the 'Newtonian Mass Models' data, there is observed velocity, and then velocity contributions from gas, and from disk. I would have anticipated that {observed - gas - disk} would give you the velocity contribution from dark matter, but often the gas+disk contributions are actually greater than the observed velocity. What am I missing here?
 
Alas, I'm not an expert, and you didn't quote the data examples that you're puzzled about.

So I'll just note that, at low accelerations, one finds that ##\,g_{obs} \propto \sqrt{g_{bar}}## .

For more detail, try these papers:

One Law to Rule them All: the Radial Acceleration Relation of Galaxies

The Radial Acceleration Relation in Rotationally Supported Galaxies

You might also benefit by following McGaugh's blog Triton Station, and also reading some of his older blog posts therein.

If you reply quickly to any of his (new) blog posts, and ask questions, sometimes he (or another poster) will answer helpfully, even if your question is not quite on the topic of his post.
 

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