Determining the sign of kinetic energy for galaxy-scale centers of mass

Ascertain whether the center of mass of a celestial structure such as a galaxy possesses positive kinetic energy or negative kinetic energy.

Background

The paper proposes that hierarchical assembly from negative kinetic energy matter can yield stable positive kinetic energy systems whose largest-scale centroid may possess negative kinetic energy, while internal constituents exhibit positive kinetic energy behaviors.

It then explicitly states the current inability to probe whether the center of mass of large celestial structures is of positive or negative kinetic energy, highlighting an observational and conceptual gap.