How can you calculate the mass of a galaxy given only a radius of the entire galaxy and the orbital period of an outer star in the galaxy?
2007-06-03 03:18:57 · 3 answers · asked by A B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
To calculate the mass of our galaxy Newton and Keppler's laws are used. However they are only approximations.
To get the exact mass a more refined theory is neede and that is Einstein's Relativity theory. Using that theory a more exact calculation is obtained.
Relativity theory is Used be cause it proved Newton's theory completely off base.
Relativity Equation can be easely solved with a computer. So with Relativity Field equation computer solution are very practical.
2007-06-03 04:08:33 · answer #1 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its like a circle, duh
the orbital period is the circumfrence and fromt here just use ur fifth grade formula
2007-06-03 03:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by purplestar53 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
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2007-06-03 03:23:15 · answer #3 · answered by Mateusz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋