Where can I find an updated Milky Way density profile for my simulation?

In summary, the conversation discussed the difficulty of creating a realistic simulation of the Milky Way due to limited visibility from the inside and the large number of stars in the galaxy. However, there are attempts to understand the stellar distribution through various sources and models such as the Milky Way Tomography with SDSS and the Stellar Populations and Formation of the Milky Way. Additionally, a reasonable estimate of the rotation curve or stellar velocity distribution is needed. Some references for this information were provided, but a more updated version from the past 29 years is desired.
  • #1
RCopernicus
23
1
I'm trying to put together a realistic simulation of the Milky Way. Can anyone direct me to a database or something I can scrape in order to get the density profile?
 
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  • #2
That will be difficult, as we don't see the galaxy very well from the inside. It was only about a decade ago where we were pretty sure we live in a barred spiral.
 
  • #3
As Vanadium indicated, a detailed model would be difficult based on what we cannot 'see', as well as the enormity of the galaxy ~ 3(+/-1) E11 stars.

However, there are attempts to understand the stellar distribution.

The Milky Way Tomography with SDSS. I. Stellar Number Density Distribution
http://iopscience.iop.org/0004-637X/673/2/864/

Stellar Populations and the Formation of the Milky Way
By STEVEN R. MAJEWSKI
http://www.astro.virginia.edu/class/majewski/astr551/majewski.pdf

The Milky Way
http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~george/ay20/Ay20-Lec16x.pdf

One also needs are reasonable estimate of the rotation curve, or stellar velocity distribution
http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/March01/Battaner/node9.html
 
  • #4
The Milky Way also suffers from the central cusp/core density problem.
 
  • #5
#3
Astronuc
Thank you. That was very useful. Particularly the third link labeled "The Milky Way". A logarithmic density profile was what I needed.

The only problem is that some of the information, particularly about velocities, is a little dated. I found this velocity profile from 1985:

http://web.njit.edu/~gary/321/Lecture19.html

Does anyone know where I can find a more updated version. We must have better data about the velocities in our own galaxy in the last 29 years.
 
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FAQ: Where can I find an updated Milky Way density profile for my simulation?

What is the Milky Way Density Profile?

The Milky Way Density Profile is a representation of the distribution of matter within our galaxy, the Milky Way. It shows how the density of stars, gas, and other matter changes as you move away from the center of the galaxy.

What data is used to create the Milky Way Density Profile?

Scientists use various types of data to create the Milky Way Density Profile, including observations of stars, gas, and other objects within our galaxy. They also use models and simulations to fill in gaps in the data.

What is the shape of the Milky Way Density Profile?

The shape of the Milky Way Density Profile is typically described as a "double exponential." This means that the density of stars and gas decreases exponentially as you move away from the center, but there is also a second, smaller peak in density near the outer regions of the galaxy.

How does the Milky Way Density Profile differ from other galaxies?

The Milky Way Density Profile is unique to our galaxy and can differ significantly from other galaxies. The shape, extent, and distribution of matter within a galaxy depend on various factors, such as the galaxy's size, age, and environment.

What can the Milky Way Density Profile tell us about our galaxy's history?

The Milky Way Density Profile can provide insight into the formation and evolution of our galaxy. By studying the changes in density over time, scientists can learn about the processes that have shaped the Milky Way, such as mergers with other galaxies, star formation, and the growth of the galactic bulge.

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