Density wave theory or the Lin-Shu density wave theory is a theory proposed by C.C. Lin and Frank Shu in the mid-1960s to explain spiral arm structure of spiral galaxies. Their theory introduces the idea of long-lived quasistatic density waves (also called heavy sound), which are sections of the galactic disk that have greater mass density (about 10–20% greater). The theory has also been successfully applied to Saturn's rings.
Read more about Density Wave Theory: Galactic Spiral Arms, Further Implications, Application To Saturn's Rings
Famous quotes containing the words wave and/or theory:
“The wave of evil washes all our institutions alike.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“A theory if you hold it hard enough
And long enough gets rated as a creed....”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)