Mass of MW within 8.5kpc: Refs for Simon

[Cptn.Shelly]

Hi all,

For my second year project at university, I have collected and analysed 21cm data of the Milky Way (MW). I have created a rotation curve, estimates of the mass and mapped the spiral arms in quadrant 1.

I am having trouble finding a paper to compare my work to, I especially need one that states the mass of the MW within 8.5kpc (R<R₀). I can find papers (Via NASA ADS) to reference for masses within 2.5kpc and within 100kpc or greater, but would like to know if there is one for ~8.5kpc.

Does anyone know of one?

Thanks

Simon

 

[AndyW]

Hello Simon,

Congratulations on completing your second year project! It sounds like you have made some significant progress in understanding the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way. As a fellow scientist, I can appreciate the challenge of finding a relevant paper to compare your work to. I have a few suggestions that may help you in your search:

1. Utilize multiple databases: While NASA ADS is a great resource for astronomical papers, there are other databases that may have relevant articles as well. I recommend checking out arXiv, Google Scholar, and the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

2. Use specific keywords: When searching for papers, try using specific keywords related to your project such as "Milky Way mass," "rotation curve," and "spiral arms." This may help narrow down your results to more relevant papers.

3. Look for review articles: Review articles often provide a comprehensive overview of a specific topic, including current research and findings. They can be a great source for comparing your work to others in the field. I suggest searching for review articles on the Milky Way's mass and structure within 8.5kpc.

4. Reach out to experts in the field: If you are still having trouble finding a relevant paper, consider reaching out to experts in the field. They may be able to point you towards a paper that you may have missed in your search.

I hope these suggestions are helpful in your search for a paper to compare your work to. Best of luck in your project!