Galactic Dynamics Apr 2026

: Many galaxies, including our own, have a central bar that funnels gas toward the center, feeding the central black hole. 2. The Galactic Halo & Bulge

: These are not permanent "arms" but density waves where stars and gas momentarily slow down, triggering star formation. Galactic Dynamics

: Stars closer to the center orbit faster than those further out. : Many galaxies, including our own, have a

: Visible matter cannot explain observed orbital speeds. A massive, invisible dark matter halo is required to keep galaxies from flying apart. Key Dynamical Components 1. The Galactic Disk : Many galaxies

: Star paths are determined by the galaxy's shape (spherical, axisymmetric, or triaxial). In a disk, stars follow epicyclic orbits —small oscillations around a circular path.