Spiral Galaxies and Cyclones: Investigating Their Similarities

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Zeynel
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Galaxies Spiral
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the similarities between spiral galaxies and cyclones, focusing on their shared spiral shape. However, it clarifies that the underlying mechanisms are fundamentally different; spiral galaxies exhibit density waves due to stellar orbital resonances, while cyclones are governed by fluid dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the equations involved in both phenomena, indicating that they are not directly comparable. Participants express a desire to understand the equations governing cyclones and the resonances in galaxies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with stellar dynamics and density wave theory
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical equations related to vortex motion
  • Awareness of the differences between astrophysical and meteorological phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Fluid Dynamics equations for cyclones"
  • Explore "Density wave theory in spiral galaxies"
  • Study "Vortex motion in physics and its applications"
  • Investigate "Comparative analysis of astrophysical and meteorological spirals"
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, meteorologists, physics students, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of spiral structures in different scientific fields.

Zeynel
Messages
43
Reaction score
2
There’s an obvious resemblance between a spiral galaxy and a cyclone. They have the same spiral shape. I was wondering if the equations describing both motion are the same. I googled vortex motion but equations and concepts looked very specialized and complex for me to understand easily. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Zeynel said:
They have the same spiral shape.
They 'look' similar but the galaxy shape is not there because of a 'vortex' the lines you see are lines of density due to resonances in all the stellar orbits. There's no cosmic washing machine at work.
 
Great, thanks. I didn’t know that. So how do we compute these resonances? And is there a simple equation giving the motion of an ideal cyclone? Is this covered in fluid dynamics?
 
I really don't know enough about Fluid Dynamics but there are dozens of google links to Cyclones - and also to density waves in galaxies. The two phenomena are very different and the spirals in some galaxies are visibly different in structure from the relatively simple shapes of weather system cyclones.
Happy reading.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Einstein ring and Einstein Cross
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Uncovering Strange Spirals on Old Courthouse Tiles - A Gyroscopic Exploration
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Orbits of galaxies in the Coma Cluster
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Objective classification of spiral galaxies
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Designing a spiral with a certain angle relative to movement direction
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Why most stars seem to rotate the same direction in a galaxy?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Please Explain Elementary Physics Elevator Question
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
956
Undergrad The solar system and the Coriolis effect
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad MOND from galaxies that are fractal
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Involuted planes within a circle, Klingelnberg-Palloid involute
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K