Expert: James Gort - 4/2/2005

Question
Is there a mathematical equation that represents a spiral
galaxy such as the milky way?  If so, where would I find it,
and equations that represent other types of galaxies?  
Thank you for your help.
Christy

Answer
Hello Christy,

The best source I know of which can help answer your question is a book entitled "Spiral Structure in Galaxies - A Density Wave Theory" by Bertin and Lin (1996, MIT Press).  It gives equations of galaxies as a superposition of perturbed waves, and gives different models with various geometries of wave patterns.  Basically, you can select a model with the parameters that suit you, and you can have an equation that describes the model.

I found a source of the book for $8.45 - see http://www.alibris.com/search/detail.cfm?bid=8314425366&siteID=hi3Lv4qpBig-XhgX1...

Good luck on your model!

Prof. James Gort