The discussion centers on the nature of the Sun's orbit around the Galactic Center of the Milky Way, specifically seeking to understand the characteristics of this orbit, including the relevant vectors and reference frames. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects of orbital mechanics in a galactic context.
Participants express differing views on the nature of the Sun's orbit, with some focusing on the technical details of the vectors involved while others introduce skepticism or unrelated commentary. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the specifics of the orbit or the implications of the mass distribution in the galaxy.
Participants mention the complexity of the solar system's orbit due to the mass distribution of the galaxy, indicating that assumptions about Keplerian orbits may not apply. There are unresolved questions regarding the reference frame and the specific vectors sought.
The solar system does not follow a Keplerian path (i.e., conic section) about the galaxy. Keplerian orbits arise in system comprising a single large central mass with all other objects having inconsequential mass. While the galaxy does have a large central mass, the mass of that singularity (~4.1 million solar masses) is but a small fraction of the total mass of the galaxy (~580 billion solar masses).Philosophaie said:I would like the orbit the Sun makes around the galactic center of the Milky Way Galaxy! All I need is just two vectors: the velocity of the Sun in the reference frame of the singularity and the radius of the Sun to the singularity in the reference frame of the singularity.