How Do We Know the Sun's Orbit Through the Galaxy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on how astronomers determine the Sun's orbit around the Milky Way galaxy. Key methods include using infrared telescopes to observe the galaxy's center and employing redshift measurements to calculate the velocities of nearby stars. Historical debates surrounding the Sun's position involved figures like Edwin Hubble, who faced challenges due to dust obscuring the view of the galaxy's center. Simple mathematical formulas are utilized to synthesize this data and establish the Sun's orbital path.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of redshift and its application in astronomy
  • Familiarity with infrared telescopes and their capabilities
  • Basic knowledge of galactic structure and dynamics
  • Mathematical skills for applying formulas in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the functionality of infrared telescopes in astronomical observations
  • Learn about redshift calculations and their significance in measuring stellar velocities
  • Study the historical contributions of Edwin Hubble and other astronomers to our understanding of the galaxy
  • Explore mathematical models used to calculate orbits in astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and students studying galactic dynamics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the methods used to determine stellar orbits and the historical context of astronomical discoveries.

Mk
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How do we know the sun's orbit, through the galaxy?
 
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I think we look other stars see where there going then we calucate how far we are from the center of the galaxy and then we put the data togther and we find the orbit
 
Thanks to IR telescopes we can see the center of the galaxy. And through redshift we can measure velocities of other stars and gauge our own velocities. Then a few simple formulas can answer a lot of questions.

But historically, our position in the galaxy caused great debate, with astronomers like Hubble and Kaptain (?sp) making their best guesses. Dust obscured their view of the galaxy's center, and hence caused inaccuracies in their guesses. Google their names for a better explanation.
 

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