Umbrar
Dark Matter Physics
Why don’t spinning galaxies fly apart? Umbrar is the unseen answer. For a circular orbit, v(r) = √(GM(r)/r), so speeds should fall far from the centre. Vera Rubin and others measured flat rotation curves instead, implying extra mass we cannot see: dark matter. What it is remains unknown. Pixel-art black ceramic mug in 11 or 15 oz; equation, symbols and sources in the physics panel below.
Shipping calculated at checkout by destinationMade to order, ships in ~10 days
One equation · 60 seconds · one try · once a day.
Details
Size & material11oz · 15oz
Black glossy ceramic mug with a C-handle. Lead- and BPA-free.
- 11oz: 0.33 l
- 15oz: 0.44 l
CareDishwasher & microwave safe
Dishwasher safe (top rack) or hand wash. Microwave safe.
ShippingBy destination
Shipping calculated at checkout by destination.
Made to order: about 10 days of production and handling before it ships.
Returns & replacements21 days
Every item is printed to order, so we can’t accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, or if you ordered the wrong size or colour.
Print defect, misprint, damage or the wrong item? We’ll send a free replacement, or a refund if you prefer. Report it within 21 days of delivery with a photo; no need to send it back.
The physics
For a star in a circular orbit, the speed tells you how much mass lies inside the orbit. Measured speeds stay roughly constant far out in galaxies, so the enclosed mass keeps growing with radius: dark matter.
Equations
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| \(v(r)\) | circular orbital speed at radius r | \(\mathrm{m/s}\) |
| \(G\) | Newtonian constant of gravitation | \(\mathrm{m³·kg⁻¹·s⁻²}\) |
| \(M(r)\) | total mass enclosed within radius r | \(\mathrm{kg}\) |
| \(r\) | distance from the galaxy's centre | \(\mathrm{m}\) |
Sources
- Rubin & Ford (1970) Rotation of the Andromeda Nebula, ApJ 159, 379 (opens in a new tab)
- Rubin, Ford & Thonnard (1980) Rotational properties of 21 Sc galaxies, ApJ 238, 471 (opens in a new tab)
- Zwicky (1937) On the Masses of Nebulae and of Clusters of Nebulae, ApJ 86, 217 (opens in a new tab)
- NASA Science — Dark Matter (opens in a new tab)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Dark matter (opens in a new tab)
Source Rubin, V. C.; Ford, W. K., Jr. (1970). Rotation of the Andromeda Nebula from a Spectroscopic Survey of Emission Regions. The Astrophysical Journal 159, 379.doi.org/10.1086/150317 (opens in a new tab)