Coherence Based Model Preiidctions for Galactic Spiral Arm Spacing, Evolution and Minor Spiral Arms
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of spiral arm structure and evolution in the Milky Way, M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy), and M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy), based on the coherence-dark coherence resonance model. The study provides high-precision predictions for major spiral arm spacing, matching observed data within <5% deviation. It also introduces spiral arm phasing and dephasing cycles, predicting that arms periodically fade and reform every ~500 million years (Myr) due to coherence energy dynamics. Observational evidence for such cycles is discussed, along with forecasted phase shifts in specific galaxies. Additionally, the paper predicts the existence of minor spiral arms at specific radial intervals (e.g., 3.8–4.2 kpc in M51) that remain undetected in current surveys. These minor arms result from higher-order resonance nodes and are prime targets for JWST, ALMA, and Vera Rubin Observatory observations. This work combines spatial and temporal modeling of spiral arms, providing a testable, predictive framework that addresses long-standing challenges in galactic structure theory.
Author: Thavarajah, Rogan
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6912057968
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