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- Qualitatively, the need to invoke dark matter is clear.
- Quantitatively, using rotation curves to constrain dark matter is typically beyond an introductory class.
- Qualitatively, the need to invoke dark matter is clear.
- Quantitatively, using rotation curves to constrain dark matter is typically beyond an introductory class.
RotCurve:
- remove computational barriers
- provide real datasets
- allow quantitative study of dark matter for intro students.
In practice:
- remove the arcade effect by going over a computation in class.
- break class up into groups, have them each do a few different galaxies
- compare results and argue -- just like "real scientists"!
- bring in outside constraints (stellar physics and mass-to-light ratios)
Students learn concepts of:
- degeneracy of solutions
- human bias and systematic errors
- numerical precision vs scientific uncertainty
- scientific disagreement as a intellectual process