The nature of dark matter is a fundamental
question in both astrophysics and particle physics. Some of the strongest
evidence for dark matter comes from the rotation curves of galaxies.
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)
