Does Galactic Rotation Cause Frame Dragging?

In summary, frame dragging effects produced by the rotation of galaxies are negligible on a galactic scale and are only significant near the event horizon of a black hole. The degree of the effect depends on the mass and speed of rotation of the galaxy, and would be felt at the edge of the disk as well as between the spiral arms. There are calculations to determine frame dragging, but they may be complex.
  • #1
H2Bro
166
4
Do galaxies produce measurable/significant frame dragging effects by their rotation?

I would think frame dragging depends on the mass and speed of rotation... Are such effects only felt at the boundary between rotating gravitational fields and flatter space, i.e. the edge of the milky way? Or would frame dragging produce effects throughout the milky way, i.e. in the gaps between spiral arms as well as between stars.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
These effects are completely negligible on the galactic scale. Frame dragging is only significant near the event horizon of a black hole. For comparison, if the entire mass of a galaxy were compressed to a point; its event horizon would be about a million times smaller than the radius of the galaxy, suggesting the effects will be completely negligible.

You're right that the degree of the effect depends only on the mass and speed of rotation (generally measured by the angular momentum). What (little) effects there are would be felt both at the edge of the disk, and between the spiral-arms.
 
  • #3
Hi, one question.
Are there any calculations to figure out frame dragging, or the strength of frame dragging is purely "intuitively implied" (in case the math is prohibitively complex)?

Edit:
Never mind, I've read up on this one.
 
Last edited:

What is galactic frame dragging?

Galactic frame dragging, also known as the Lense-Thirring effect, is a phenomenon in which the rotation of a massive object in space (such as a black hole) causes the space around it to twist and drag along with it.

How does galactic frame dragging occur?

According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, mass and energy can bend and warp the fabric of space-time. As a massive object rotates, it creates a "dimple" in space-time, causing other objects to follow its path of rotation. This is what causes the dragging effect.

What are the implications of galactic frame dragging?

The Lense-Thirring effect has been observed in our own solar system, with the orbit of Mercury being slightly shifted due to the frame-dragging caused by the Sun. On a larger scale, frame dragging can affect the orbits of stars and planets in a galaxy, and can even play a role in the formation of galaxies.

Is there a limit to the amount of frame dragging that can occur?

Yes, there is a limit known as the maximal frame-dragging effect, which is predicted by general relativity. This limit is determined by the mass and spin of the rotating object. Objects with greater mass and spin will have a stronger frame-dragging effect.

How is galactic frame dragging measured?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to measure the frame-dragging effect, including studying the motion of particles near a rotating object, analyzing the orbits of stars and planets, and using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) to detect radio signals from distant quasars that are affected by the rotation of massive objects.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
990
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
926
Back
Top