How does dark matter affect planetary motion?

In summary, the conversation suggests that the graph of Average Orbital Distance from the Sun vs. Average Orbital Velocity shows a decreasing exponential function. This could potentially suggest the presence of dark matter in our solar system, but its impact on orbits is likely negligible due to its small estimated mass. Any unexpected results may require a reworking of the data.
  • #1
Zoey Brown
17
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The graph I have made of Average Orbital Distance from the Sun vs. Average Orbital Velocity illustrates a decreasing exponential function. How, if it does, would this suggest that there is dark matter present in our solar system?
 
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  • #2
Zoey Brown said:
The graph I have made of Average Orbital Distance from the Sun vs. Average Orbital Velocity illustrates a decreasing exponential function. How, if it does, would this suggest that there is dark matter present in our solar system?
Dark matter in our solar system is estimated to have a total mass equivalent to a small asteroid, so it's affect on orbits is negligible to a large number of decimal places. If you are getting other results, I would suggest reworking something.
 

Related to How does dark matter affect planetary motion?

1. How does dark matter affect the orbits of planets?

Dark matter does not directly affect the orbits of planets. Its gravitational pull is too weak to have a significant impact on the motion of individual planets. However, dark matter does play a role in shaping the overall structure of the galaxy, which can indirectly influence the orbits of planets.

2. Can dark matter cause changes in the tilt of a planet's axis?

No, dark matter does not have a strong enough gravitational force to affect the tilt of a planet's axis. The tilt of a planet's axis is primarily determined by its initial formation and subsequent interactions with other objects in the solar system.

3. Does dark matter affect the speed of a planet's rotation?

No, dark matter does not directly affect the speed of a planet's rotation. The rotation of a planet is primarily determined by its size, shape, and initial spin, rather than the presence of dark matter.

4. Can dark matter explain the anomalies in planetary motion?

While dark matter does play a role in the overall structure of the galaxy, it cannot fully explain the anomalies in planetary motion. Other factors, such as gravitational interactions with other bodies and the effects of relativity, also contribute to these anomalies.

5. Is there a way to detect the influence of dark matter on planetary motion?

Currently, there is no direct way to detect the influence of dark matter on planetary motion. However, scientists can study the effects of dark matter on the overall structure of the galaxy and use this information to make predictions about the motion of planets within it.

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