lab 6.docx
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Broward College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1002
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by KidMoleMaster1750
Lab 6 Formation of Galaxies
Learning Objectives
1.
How are galaxies formed and held together gravitationally?
2.
What is the role of Dark Matter in galaxy formation?
Readings from OpenStax
25 The Milky Way Galaxy
Note there are two parts to this lab. Part A and B.
Instructions
Complete readings before you attempt this lab. Complete your answers on this worksheet. Upload your
worksheet on D2L for a grade by the due date.
Part A: Role of Dark Matter in Galaxies
Using the link to
NASA James Webb Space Telescope
explain the formation of galaxies from
state-of-the-art technology:
https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/science/galaxies.html
●
In the above
link
, scroll down to “In Depth” insertion and look at the
role of Dark Matter in the
formation of Galaxies
.
Your response must be typed, double spaced, 12-point font, free from grammatical/typographical errors
and no less than 100 words for each of Part A.
Dark matter plays an important role in the formation of galaxies, and
state-of-the-art technology, like the James Webb Space Telescope, allow us to understand
this. By looking at galaxies from the past and understanding them, scientists are able to
understand how they form and evolve. They use spectroscopy to do so. Dark matter is the
foundation of galaxies because its gravitational pull allows galaxies to form and clump
together. With state-of-the-art technology, scientists now know that galaxies begin to form
when dark matter groups up. As dark matter builds up, stars begin to form alongside gas
and dust. This is the start of a galaxy. Dark matter is the building block of galaxies, and we
know this thanks to state-of-the-art technology.
Part B: Mass of the Galaxy
Using OpenStax, 25.3 Mass of the Galaxy, under LINK TO LEARNING, Dark Matter Simulator (
Dark Matter
Simulator (foothill.edu)
) you will learn “What is Dark Matter?”. Have fun with this simulator.
1.
Where is the most dark matter located in the galaxy? (click on “show dark matter” in the
simulator– dark matter will show-up in red)
The most dark matter is located in the center of the galaxy.
2.
Click on Simulation Instructions (upper right). Use the example for the Milky Way. Adjust the
Dark Matter Density, noticing the effect it has on the Orbital Velocity. You can adjust the Dark
Matter by sliding the red circle on the upper plot of Dark Matter Density. Location in the galaxy
of the dark matter is shown on the diagram as you slide a red circle up or down.
What happens
to the velocity of rotation speed for the galaxy as you change the Dark Matter Density location?
Explain one scenario. Moving the Dark Matter density to the center compared to the outer
region of the galaxy.
As I moved the dark matter density closer to the center of the galaxy, the velocity of
rotation speed for the galaxy increased. As I moved the dark matter density further
away from the center of the galaxy, the velocity of rotation speed for the galaxy
decreased.
3.
What force can explain the rotational speed change as dark matter is moved in the galaxy based
on question 2?
The change in rotational speed as dark matter is moved in the galaxy based on
question 2 can be explained by gravitational force. The gravitational attraction
between dark matter and stars affects rotational speed. With a stronger
gravitational pull, there’s greater velocity. With a weaker gravitational pull, there’s
less velocity.
4.
Explain an observation from this simulator that especially captured your attention. For example,
the role of dark matter in the formation of galaxies.
An observation from this simulator that especially captured my attention is how
galaxies can resemble our solar system. In the simulation instructions, under
“Example Usage: Kepler’s Law,” it explains how Kepler’s Law can be used to
explain how a galaxy can be just like our solar system. By sliding the dark matter
density in the center of the galaxy to the highest possible and the rest to zero, it’s like
how the Sun is at the center of our solar system. In this situation, orbital velocity is
the greatest at the center and decreases as you go further out. It’s fascinating to
think about how galaxies can be used to help us understand our solar system.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help