The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of the Milky Way galaxy and using that mass to estimate the number of stars within it. Participants suggest utilizing the average mass of a star, with a recommendation to consider the mass of the Sun as a straightforward reference point. Additionally, they emphasize the negligible impact of associated planets on the overall mass calculation, advocating for a weighted average based on star size proportions in the galaxy.
PREREQUISITESAstronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in galactic mass estimation and stellar population analysis.
richman614 said:im doing a problem were i find the mass of the our galaxy and i found the mass. What the problem is saying is to use the mass found to estimate how many stars are in our galaxy?