Our Galaxy May Be 10 Times Bigger Than We Thought

The video explores the complexities of measuring the Milky Way's size, highlighting the challenges of studying our galaxy from within. It discusses the role of dark matter and the methods used to define the galaxy's boundaries. Recent findings from the Gaia Space Telescope suggest a smaller mass than previously thought, prompting further research. The video emphasizes the ongoing quest to accurately determine the Milky Way's size, with future updates expected from Gaia and the Rubin Observatory.

What makes it difficult for astronomers to study the Milky Way compared to other galaxies?

• The Milky Way is moving too fast.

• The Milky Way is too far away.

• We are located inside the Milky Way.

• The Milky Way is too small.

What is the virial radius used to determine?

• The width of a galaxy

• The color of a galaxy

• The brightness of a galaxy

• The age of a galaxy

Why is dark matter important in understanding the Milky Way's size?

• It makes the Milky Way brighter.

• It helps in forming stars.

• It changes the color of the Milky Way.

• It contributes to the galaxy's mass.

What discrepancy did the Gaia Space Telescope reveal about the Milky Way?

• The Milky Way is not a spiral galaxy.

• The Milky Way has no dark matter.

• The Milky Way is smaller than previously thought.

• The Milky Way is moving faster than light.

What is the estimated mass of the Milky Way according to recent findings?

• 1 trillion times the mass of the Sun

• 200 billion times the mass of the Sun

• 60 billion times the mass of the Sun

• 2.5 trillion times the mass of the Sun

What is the expected update from the Gaia Space Telescope in 2025?

• More precise data on distant stars

• A new type of galaxy

• The end of the universe

• The discovery of a new planet

What is the role of the Rubin Observatory in future research?

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To provide a check on Gaia's observations

• To replace the Gaia Space Telescope

• To study the Earth's atmosphere