The Milky Way's stars contribute to the galaxy's overall mass from "summary" of The Milky Way by Moiya McTier
The stars within the Milky Way play a crucial role in determining the galaxy's total mass. These luminous celestial bodies, scattered throughout the vast expanse of the Milky Way, are not just mere sources of light and energy. They are substantial contributors to the overall mass of the galaxy, adding significant weight to its cosmic scale. As stars form and evolve within the Milky Way, they accumulate mass through the fusion of lighter elements into heavier ones, releasing energy in the process. This mass accumulation is a continuous cycle that occurs over billions of years, with stars growing in size and complexity as they age. The combined mass of all the stars within the Milky Way is a substantial factor in determining the galaxy's total mass. The gravitational pull exerted by these stars is another important aspect to consider. As stars move through the galaxy, their gravitational influence affects the motion and distribution of other stars, as well as gas and dust clouds. This gravitational interaction between stars plays a significant role in shaping the structure of the Milky Way and maintaining its overall mass balance. Furthermore, the presence of dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up a significant portion of the galaxy's mass, also plays a role in the overall mass of the Milky Way. While dark matter does not emit light or energy like stars do, its gravitational effects influence the motion of stars within the galaxy, contributing to its total mass.- The stars within the Milky Way are not just twinkling lights in the night sky. They are fundamental components that contribute to the galaxy's overall mass, shaping its structure and dynamics through their gravitational interactions and cumulative mass accumulation over time. The collective weight of these stars, along with the presence of dark matter, defines the cosmic scale and mass of the Milky Way.
