Galactic Astronomy
In galactic astronomy, the term peculiar motion (or peculiar velocity) refers to the motion of an object (usually a star) through space.
Local objects are usually related in terms of proper motion and radial velocity, that is the amount an object appears to move across the sphere of the sky, and the measured speed at which it travels towards or away from us, respectively. Its actual motion is the peculiar motion.
Read more about this topic: Peculiar Velocity
Famous quotes containing the words galactic and/or astronomy:
“When the galactic sea was sucked
And all the dry seabed unlocked,
I sent my creature scouting on the globe,
That globe itself of hair and bone....”
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“It is noticed, that the consideration of the great periods and spaces of astronomy induces a dignity of mind, and an indifference to death.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)