Spiral Galaxies and Cyclones: Investigating Their Similarities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the similarities between spiral galaxies and cyclones, particularly focusing on their spiral shapes and the underlying equations that describe their motions. Participants examine the nature of these shapes, the concepts of vortex motion, and the differences in their formation and structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the resemblance between spiral galaxies and cyclones due to their spiral shapes and questions whether the equations governing their motions are similar.
  • Another participant argues that while they appear similar, the spiral shape of galaxies arises from density resonances in stellar orbits rather than vortex motion.
  • A participant seeks clarification on how to compute the resonances in galaxies and inquires about a simple equation for cyclone motion, suggesting a connection to fluid dynamics.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about fluid dynamics, mentioning that the two phenomena are fundamentally different and that the structures of galaxy spirals differ from the simpler shapes of cyclones.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the nature of the spiral shapes and the underlying physics of galaxies versus cyclones.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the equations involved and the specialized nature of the concepts related to vortex motion and density waves, indicating potential limitations in understanding without further study.

Zeynel
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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.
 
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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.
 

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