Question

As seen in class we can map out the orbits of stars near the very center...

As seen in class we can map out the orbits of stars near the very center of our Galaxy. Star S2 orbits in 15.2 years, with an orbit size of 840 AU. How much mass is there at the center to explain this orbit?

Homework Answers

Answer #1

The gravitational force on the star due to the mass at the center provides the centripetal force for revolution. We use this condition to find the required mass as shown below

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