Questions from a Non Astronomer.

[Sausageman]

I got asked some serious questions today at work, by a Non Astronomer, and I couldn't answer them.

1. How fast does our galaxy spin? :shrug:
2. How long does it take to complete one revolution? :shrug:
3. How long does it take our Solar System to complete an orbit of the Galaxy? :shrug:
4. How fast does our Solar System travel at in it's orbit around the galaxy? :shrug:

I could answer the last one though.
5. How fast does the Earth move in it's orbit? :thumbsup:

Geez, how ignorant am I, being stumped by all those questions?

Someone help me out here please, so I can answer the questions.

Mike :doh:

[acropolite]

I saw those figures just recently in an astro mag, If I can find it I will post. (imagine a short period of pondering...) ......
Actually just googled and this link gives some of the answers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way of course the speed would be proportional to our distance from the centre of the galaxy. Here's the google search so you don't even need to type... http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=milky+way+orbit+speed&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

[janoskiss]

All the info you need is in Monty Python's Galaxy Song from The Meaning of Life. :D

[asimov]

question 3 answer: 250 million years.

[Starkler]

Questions 2 & 3 seem to be the same question, assuming that our solar system doesnt move in relation to the rest of the galaxy.

[RAJAH235]

Ahh, but it does. It undulates, up & down, as well as into, through & out of, the spiral arms. We, at present, just happen to be 'in the clear' at the moment.
A few years ago, 2 young American Uni students did some calcs. on 'Solar' recession/movement, & found that at about 60/65,000,000 years ago, 'WE' were in close proximity, (if not actually in it), to an arm. It could have been a Supernova in the spiral arm close to 'US' that caused the demise of the dinosaurs..... ie; radiation etc etc from it.
Ahhh, theories. They make you think, don't they?
:shrug: :D L.

[Sausageman]

Thanks everyone, especially you Phil. :thumbsup:

That google was great, why didn't I think of it? :doh: I'm just getting old probably and absent minded :help:

The guy that asked me the questions is apparently a bit of a deep thinker and philosopher. I only found that out today.

Thanks again

Mike