Rotation curve in spiral galaxy velocity and uniform velocity dispersion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the rotation curve of spiral galaxies, highlighting that uniform velocity dispersion in their outer regions indicates the presence of dark matter. It questions whether this uniformity necessitates a diffused distribution of dark matter or if a more clustered distribution could also yield similar results. The consensus is that to determine the relationship between dark matter distribution and velocity dispersion, one must apply specific density distributions to mathematical models and analyze the resulting orbital dynamics.

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Ranku
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The rotation curve of spiral galaxies shows uniform velocity dispersion in the outer reaches, which is taken as evidence of the presence and distribution of dark matter. My question: Does uniform velocity dispersion require the diffused distribution of dark matter, or could the distribution be, say, less diffused and more clustered, and there would still be uniform velocity dispersion, as long as there is the presence of dark matter?
 
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I don't think there's a general answer to that question. You'd have to plug a density distribution into the maths and see what orbits were implied.

Bear in mind that dark matter is influenced by gravity. You can probably find other density distributions that reproduce the same velocity curve for visible matter, but you have to show that the density distribution is consistent with the dynamics of dark matter.
 
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