October 9, 2025Open Access

Decrease in Milky Way rotation curve revisited

Key Points

The recent findings indicate a significant change in the understanding of the Milky Way's rotation curve due to inconsistencies in model assumptions.
The analysis reveals that previous axisymmetric models do not accurately describe gravitational potential at significant radii, leading to implications for galaxy dynamics.
Comparative analysis of various studies shows a consistent deviation from expected spherical symmetry in the gravitational field beyond 20 kpc.
Inconsistencies in the axisymmetric Jeans equations highlight the need for revised models in understanding the Milky Way's structure.

Abstract

Context. Latest papers on the rotation curve of the Milky Way galaxy, i. e. Ou et al. (2024); Jiao et al. (2023); Sylos Labini et al. (2023) suggest a Keplerian decrease in the rotation curve. This behavior is not consistent with other spiral galaxies (Lelli et al. 2016; Mistele et al. 2024). Aims. Show that the prior use of the axisymmetric Jeans equation is not consistent with the final model produced in the papers. Methods. Comparison of the results on gravitational potential in Ou et al. (2024); Jiao et al. (2023); Sylos Labini et al. (2023) with the prior assumptions about the axisymemtric properties of the Milky Way galaxy. Results. The gravitational potentials published by Ou et al. (2024); Jiao et al. (2023); Sylos Labini et al. (2023) lead to almost spherically symmetric properties of the Milky Way galaxy at Galactocentric radii above 20 kpc, which is not consistent with the use of axisymmetric Jeans equations.

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