Stellar orbits around the milky way.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the measurement of stellar orbits around the Milky Way, specifically focusing on the radial and tangential velocities of stars relative to the Sun. It is established that while radial velocities can be measured through spectroscopy, tangential velocities require long-term observations to determine positional changes over time. The conversation clarifies that the Sun's orbit is assessed by observing nearby and distant stars, while distant galaxies' movements are primarily gauged through their velocity toward or away from us.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radial and tangential velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with spectroscopy techniques
  • Knowledge of stellar positional measurements
  • Basic grasp of galactic dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methods for measuring stellar radial velocities using spectroscopy
  • Explore techniques for determining tangential velocities of stars over time
  • Study the dynamics of the Milky Way and its orbital mechanics
  • Investigate the role of parallax in measuring stellar positions
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of stellar movements and galactic structures.

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I was just thinking about how this is done. I have looked online and I can't find a none mathematical explanation.

If I am getting it right, we get the orbits by measuring the radial and tangential velocities of several stars relative to our sun.

I thought the tangential velocity was unobtainable. Wouldn't you have to wait a century or two to be able to measure the tangential velocity.

I am sure the answer is easy. I am just not getting it off of the explanation I was given.

Can anyone explain this better to me.. or correct if I am misinformed.
 
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Do you mean the orbit of the sun around our galaxy or the rotation of other galaxies?
You can measure the movement of the sun by the position change of nearby and distant stars but the rotation of distant galaxies is from spectroscopy and so only measures velocity toward or away from us.
 

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