Stellar Orbits

Stellar orbits refer to the paths stars follow around the center of their galaxy, much like planets orbit the Sun. Each star moves in a specific orbit influenced by gravity and the mass distribution within the galaxy. These orbits can be circular, elliptical, or more complex, depending on various factors like the star’s velocity and the galaxy’s shape. Understanding stellar orbits helps astronomers study galaxy dynamics, mass distribution—including dark matter—and the star’s history within its galactic environment. Ultimately, these orbits reveal how galaxies maintain their structure and evolve over time.