Gravity: The Primordial Force Holding the Milky Way and Beyond Together
Gravity: The Primordial Force Holding the Milky Way and Beyond Together
Hello Jerel Lewis!Gravity plays a crucial role in holding together our Milky Way and the entire cosmos. Unlike most galaxies that are centered around a supermassive black hole, our Milky Way is a unique cosmic formation where gravity holds everything together without a central object.
The Role of Gravity in the Solar System and Beyond
The solar system is a prime example of how gravity works to maintain order. While the Sun holds 99.86% of the mass of our solar system, everything, including planets, orbits a common center of mass called the barycenter. This principle is not different in galaxies, galactic clusters, or superclusters. Every component in a galaxy orbits the barycenter, the central point of mass in that system.
The Dark Matter and Its Contribution
The main contributor to the mass of a galaxy is dark matter. This mystifying substance, invisible to the naked eye, can only be detected through its gravitational effects. The particles that make up dark matter are unknown, but the most likely explanation is some sort of unknown elementary particles. This dark matter is essential for the cohesion of galaxies, given that it outweighs the visible matter significantly.
Gravity: The Universal Force
Gravity is a fundamental force, yet it remains mysterious and awe-inspiring. Isaac Newton was the first to recognize its importance, but with the passage of time, the concept of gravity has been kept hidden in libraries to avoid overwhelming the scientific community. This unifying force that holds everything together, right down to the Milky Way and the universe as a whole, is nothing but gravity.
TAADAAA! Gravity. Its out there, no going back. So let's all say it together: GRAVITY.
Conclusion
Understanding gravity is key to comprehending the structure and formation of the cosmos. From the smallest celestial bodies to the largest galaxies, gravity is the underlying force that keeps everything together. As we continue our scientific journey, unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and gravity will undoubtedly lead us to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of our universe.