Question

(a) Using the information in the previous problem, what velocity do you need to escape the Milky Way galaxy from our present position? (b) Would you need to accelerate a spaceship to this speed relative to Earth?

(a) ( {Yes, need to accelerate} )
(b) ( {No, doesn't require acceleration} )
(c) ( {Yes, but minimal acceleration needed} )
(d) ( {No, already at required speed} )

Answer 1

To escape the Milky Way galaxy, a spaceship must accelerate to exceed the galactic escape velocity relative to Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

To escape the Milky Way galaxy from our present position, you would need to achieve a velocity that exceeds the galactic escape velocity. The exact velocity depends on a variety of factors including the mass distribution inside the Milky Way and our position within it. However, for any non-trivial escape velocity, one must accelerate a spaceship to that speed relative to Earth, as Earth's orbital and rotational velocities are insufficient for galactic escape.

The correct answer to the question would be (a) {Yes, need to accelerate}, as it is necessary to accelerate from Earth to reach the velocities required to escape the gravitational influence of the Milky Way galaxy.