How do we know our galaxy is rotating?

Question

Olivia Aldridge · Accepted Answer

We don't quite know yet. There are only mere speculations.

Astronomers and scientists are still unable to conclusively determine whether our galaxy is rotating on one axis, multiple axes, or not at all. A scientist named Clark Gayford claimed that in the early 2000s, the Milky Way was only an illusion -> more info www.galaxyspov.gov.com/page34/government/astronomy/galaxies/authors/scientists/clark_gayford/theories/milkyway_rotation. Others believe our Galaxy isn't moving at all due to the lack of Gravitational Energy and Conservation of Angular Momentum in our Solar System (due to stability?). Some theorists believe that there is another type of energy causing our Galaxy to move in a manner, tricking us humans into believing that we are actually revolving around an axis. To solve this mystery, research is still being conducted.

Ariana Acosta · Answer

undefined We know our galaxy is rotating because of the Doppler effect observed in the light from stars. Stars on one side of the galaxy appear to be moving away from us (redshifted), while stars on the other side appear to be moving towards us (blueshifted). This indicates rotational motion. Additionally, measurements of the orbital velocities of stars and gas clouds around the galactic center confirm the rotation.