Formula for the star density of the milky way?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on approximating the star density of the Milky Way, suggesting it decreases exponentially both radially and vertically. A proposed formula is presented as Density ∝ e^{-R/a} * e^{-h/b}, where R is the radius and h is the height from the galactic center. Participants confirm that the constants a and b are approximately 8 kpc and 1 kpc, respectively. They encourage further research for more precise values in scientific literature. This formula effectively models the star density distribution in the Milky Way.
pere plank
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It would be great if any of you could give me an aproximate formula of the star density of the milky way, as far as i know (and I'm not pretty sure), it falls off exponentially, both vertically and radially. The formula i have in my head would be something like
##Density \propto e^{-R/a}*e^{-h/b}##
where R and h would be the radius and the height (taking as center the center of the galaxy) and a and b would be constants that i need to find.

how wrong am i? could you help me find a and b? (the central budge isn't included in that formula)
 
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Yeah that's about right. If I remember correctly, a is about 8kpc and b is about 1kpc. I'm sure you can find more accurate numbers in papers.
 

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