Stellar Population in Milky Way

In summary, the conversation is about the speaker's project on modeling the rate of supernova in our galaxy. They are in need of information on the distribution and location of different types of stars in the Milky Way. Despite an extensive Google search, they have been unable to find the specific information they need. Some potential resources are suggested, including estimates of the number of stars in the galaxy and studies on the chemical evolution of galaxies.
  • #1
robousy
334
1
Hey folks,

I'm currently at grad school and am working on an algorithm to try and model the rate of supernova (type I and II) in our galaxy.

I really need to know the following information.

1) Where can I find information on HOW MANY of the different types of stars there are in our galaxy. E.g, how many red giants, how many massive red giants. ( I just need rough numbers).

2) Is there any information on there (rough) location. i.e Are some stars likely to be located closer to the center of the galaxy than others.


I've done quite an extensive google search but don't seem to find the info I'm looking for.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Richard
 
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  • #2
I am hoping Space Tiger, Garth, Cronos or others will pop in here, but here is a start or at least an attempt -

Estimate of 1011 stars in Milky Way - http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/ast123/lectures/lec10.html
http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/ast222/lectures/lec19.html[/URL]

See if one can find this paper or contact the author -
[PLAIN]http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v35n5/aas203/1236.htm[/URL]
[QUOTE]Stars are responsible for most of the production of elements in the universe heavier than hydrogen and helium. The genesis of these elements occurs via many different nuclear processes across a broad range of stellar masses. The build-up of the heavy elements in a galaxy is driven by the combination of star formation, stellar evolution, and stellar death, resulting in chemical evolution within a stellar population. Abundance distributions of the chemical elements will display variations that depend on such factors as the initial mass function, star formation histories, or whether heavy-element enriched stellar ejecta are lost from a galaxy, or external gas falls into a galaxy. Observed abundance distributions from a variety of galaxies or stellar populations can be used to infer the chemical enrichment histories as a function of galactic environment. Detailed abundances can now be derived in a number of Local Group galaxies using high-resolution spectrometers on 8-10 meter telescopes. We will discuss the nature of chemical evolution in some nearby Local Group galaxies and compare these to what is observed in the Milky Way disk and halo populations. [/QUOTE]


http://www.ras.ucalgary.ca/CGPS/where/plan/

[url]http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~barnes/ast626_95/pcmw.html[/url]

[url]http://ifa.hawaii.edu/~barnes/ast626_97/pcmw.html[/url]

[url]http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v382/n6592/abs/382602a0.html[/url]

[PLAIN]http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-08-04.html[/URL]


This might be of interest - Genesis of the Heaviest Elements in the Milky Way Galaxy
[url]http://www.nhn.ou.edu/~cowan/msrev2.pdf[/url]
 
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  • #3



Hi Richard,

That sounds like a fascinating project! Studying the stellar population in our Milky Way galaxy is a complex and ongoing task, as we are constantly discovering new stars and learning more about their characteristics. Here are some resources that may help you find the information you are looking for:

1) The Gaia mission, launched by the European Space Agency, is currently mapping the positions and characteristics of over 1 billion stars in our galaxy. You can find data and statistics on their website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia/home

2) The Sloan Digital Sky Survey is also a great resource for studying the stellar population in the Milky Way. They have collected data on millions of stars, including their locations and properties, which can be accessed through their website: https://www.sdss.org/

3) The Milky Way Project, a citizen science project, has also produced a catalog of over 1 billion stars in our galaxy. You can access their data and resources here: https://www.milkywayproject.org/

As for the distribution of stars in the Milky Way, it is generally believed that the majority of stars are located in the disk of the galaxy, with a smaller number in the bulge and even fewer in the halo. However, the exact distribution and density of stars is still a topic of research and debate.

I hope these resources are helpful to you in your project. Best of luck with your research!
 

1. What is a stellar population?

A stellar population refers to a group of stars that share similar properties and are located in the same region of a galaxy. These properties can include age, chemical composition, and distance from the center of the galaxy.

2. How are stellar populations classified?

Stellar populations are classified based on their age and metallicity (amount of elements heavier than helium). They can be divided into two main categories: old, metal-poor populations and young, metal-rich populations. These categories can be further subdivided into different subgroups.

3. How are stellar populations studied in the Milky Way?

Stellar populations in the Milky Way are studied through various methods, such as spectroscopy, photometry, and astrometry. Spectroscopy involves analyzing the light emitted by stars to determine their chemical composition and other properties. Photometry measures the brightness and color of stars to determine their age and distance from Earth. Astrometry uses precise measurements of star positions to study the structure and dynamics of stellar populations.

4. What can we learn from studying stellar populations in the Milky Way?

Studying the stellar populations in the Milky Way can provide insights into the formation and evolution of our galaxy. By analyzing the ages and chemical compositions of stars, we can understand the processes that led to the formation of different stellar populations. This can also help us understand the formation of other galaxies and the universe as a whole.

5. How do stellar populations affect the habitability of a galaxy?

Stellar populations can influence the habitability of a galaxy in several ways. For example, young, metal-rich stars are more likely to have planets with complex organic molecules and potential for life. On the other hand, old, metal-poor stars are more likely to have planets with simpler chemical compositions. The distribution and movements of stellar populations can also impact the stability of planetary orbits and the availability of elements necessary for life.

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