Gravitational Variances in Space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the gravitational influences experienced by objects in space, particularly in relation to the forces exerted by supermassive black holes and the overall mass of galaxies. Participants explore concepts of propulsion, acceleration, and the nature of gravitational forces in a galactic context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether, after escaping a planet's gravity, an object is influenced primarily by the black hole at the center of the galaxy and the solar system's gravity, and asks about the numerical values of these forces.
  • Another participant argues that the supermassive black hole does not govern the galaxy; rather, it is the collective gravity of the galaxy's mass and dark matter that shapes its structure.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of propulsion, with one participant clarifying that maintaining a constant speed would lead to acceleration as one approaches the center of the galaxy due to gravitational effects.
  • Multiple references to the relationship between galaxies and supermassive black holes are made, with one participant citing evidence from Yale University regarding their mutual influence on galaxy dynamics.
  • Participants engage in a debate over the definition of "coasting," with differing interpretations of whether it implies deceleration or maintaining constant speed after achieving a desired velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of supermassive black holes in governing galaxy dynamics, with some asserting that they are not the primary force, while others suggest a more interconnected relationship. The discussion on the definition of "coasting" also highlights a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying definitions of "coasting," which may lead to misunderstandings in the context of propulsion and acceleration in space. Additionally, the discussion includes assumptions about gravitational influences that are not fully resolved.

Maximilan
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Hello,

Once free of a planet's gravity, isn't one then subject to the primary force that governs that galaxy (ex. the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way), in addition to the one that governs its solar system? What are the numerical values of these forces? Variances would occur with distance, but has anybody tried to measure these as independent forces, or can these values only be summed up only as one value? Also, if you were maintaining a constant speed of propulsion towards the center of the Milky Way, wouldn't you accelerate as you got closer?

Thanks
 
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Well, first of all the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy is NOT what is governing the galaxy. The matter that orbits the center of the galaxy does so because the collective gravity of the galaxies mass itself combined with the rotation pulls it into a disc shape. The black hole is only a very small portion of the total mass of the galaxy. (Also, dark matter is presumed to be one of the primary sources of mass that holds the galaxy together)

Constant speed of propulsion? Do you mean you were "coasting" there with zero acceleration due to your own engines? If so, then yes, you would begin to accelerate as you approached the high mass of the center of the galaxy.
 
Yale University:

"There is increasing evidence that galaxies and supermassive black holes form and evolve together, exerting mutual feedback that governs the galaxy dynamics and the black hole mass. During their growth phase, supermassive black holes are readily visible as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)." http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2006AAS...20922301S
 
Drakkith said:
Constant speed of propulsion? Do you mean you were "coasting" there with zero acceleration due to your own engines? If so, then yes, you would begin to accelerate as you approached the high mass of the center of the galaxy.

No not "coasting," constant speed after achieving the desired speed to perform the test.

Thank you for responding
 
Maximilan said:
Yale University:

"There is increasing evidence that galaxies and supermassive black holes form and evolve together, exerting mutual feedback that governs the galaxy dynamics and the black hole mass. During their growth phase, supermassive black holes are readily visible as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)." http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2006AAS...20922301S

Not sure why you linked this, as it doesn't disagree with my statement. The formation of the galaxy and supermassive black hole are related and the black hole obviously effects the galaxy through its gravitational interaction. However it is not the main thing that holds the galaxy together, as I said above.

Maximilan said:
No not "coasting," constant speed after achieving the desired speed to perform the test.

Thank you for responding

That is coasting.
 
Drakkith said:
That is coasting.

Ahhh - no. "Coasting" implies you took your foot of the gas and are in the process of deceleration.

Coasting as defined by motor's control training:
"The natural rate of deceleration of a motor when the power is removed. Coasting is the simplest deceleration method." http://www.toolingu.com/definition-460380-35059-coasting.html
 
Maximilan said:
Ahhh - no. "Coasting" implies you took your foot of the gas and are in the process of deceleration.

Coasting as defined by motor's control training:
"The natural rate of deceleration of a motor when the power is removed. Coasting is the simplest deceleration method." http://www.toolingu.com/definition-460380-35059-coasting.html

Coast: verb (used without object): to continue to move or advance after effort has ceased; keep going on acquired momentum. "We cut off the car engine and coasted for a while."
Coast: verb (used with object): to cause to move along under acquired momentum. "to coast a rocket around the sun."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/coast

While it usually is meant in terms of coasting in a car, it is applicable to any movement after whatever force is accelerating you is removed.
 
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