Orbits of Stars

Stars orbit around the centers of their galaxies due to gravitational forces, much like planets orbit the Sun. The gravity exerted by the galaxy's mass—mostly dark matter—keeps stars moving in curved paths or orbits. These orbits can be roughly circular or elliptical, depending on each star’s velocity and position. Over time, stars may drift through different regions, but gravity generally maintains their orbital paths, creating the galaxy's structure. Studying these orbits helps astronomers understand the distribution of mass within galaxies, including the elusive dark matter that influences their movement.