Estimating Number of Stars in Milky Way Galaxy: Kepler Problem Solution

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In summary, our Sun has a mass of 2.0 x 10^30 kg and revolves around the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which is 2.2 x 10^20 m away, every 2.5 x 10^8 years. Assuming that each star in the galaxy has the same mass as our Sun and is uniformly distributed in a sphere around the center, and that our Sun is near the edge of the sphere, we can estimate the number of stars in the galaxy by computing the galaxy's mass and dividing it by the mass of the Sun. The fact that stars do not fill up space does not affect this estimation as we can treat all mass as being concentrated at the center of the galaxy.
  • #1
CinderBlockFist
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Our Sun, with mass 2.0 1030 kg, revolves about the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which is 2.2 1020 m away, once every 2.5 108 years. Assuming that each of the stars in the galaxy has a mass equal to that of our Sun, that the stars are distributed uniformly in a sphere about the galactic center, and that our Sun is essentially at the edge of that sphere, estimate roughly the number of stars in the galaxy.

How can i find this answer if the stars don't fill up the space because they are spheres?
 
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  • #2
Compute the galaxy's mass and divide it to the mass of the sun (i assumed that the average mass of a star is roughly equal to the one of the sun).

Daniel.
 
  • #3
It doesn't matter that the stars don't fill space. Treat it as if all mass were concentrated at the center of the galaxy.
 

1. How do scientists estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy?

Scientists use a method called the Kepler problem solution to estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. This method involves counting the number of stars in a small area of the galaxy, and then extrapolating that number to estimate the total number of stars in the entire galaxy.

2. What is the Kepler problem solution?

The Kepler problem solution is a method used by scientists to estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. It involves counting the number of stars in a small area of the galaxy, and then using that number to estimate the total number of stars in the entire galaxy.

3. How accurate is the estimate of the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy?

The estimate of the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy using the Kepler problem solution is considered to be fairly accurate. However, due to the vast size of the galaxy and the difficulty in counting all the stars, there is a margin of error in the estimation.

4. Can the Kepler problem solution be used to estimate the number of stars in other galaxies?

Yes, the Kepler problem solution can be used to estimate the number of stars in other galaxies. However, the accuracy of the estimate may vary depending on the size and type of the galaxy.

5. Are there any other methods used to estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy?

Yes, there are other methods used to estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, such as using data from telescopes and satellite observations. However, the Kepler problem solution is one of the most commonly used methods due to its relatively high accuracy.

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