: Explaining the origin and stability of spiral structures through density wave theory.
: Calculating the gravitational potential generated by various mass distributions, such as disks, bulges, and dark matter halos. Galactic Dynamics
: Studying processes like dynamical friction (the "drag" on massive objects moving through a sea of stars) and violent relaxation . Essential Resources : Explaining the origin and stability of spiral
: Understanding systems where individual stellar encounters are rare enough to be ignored. This uses the Collisionless Boltzmann Equation and Jeans Equations to describe equilibrium. such as disks
: Analyzing how individual stars move within these potentials, including orbits in axisymmetric and triaxial galaxies.