the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) is a bright astronomical radio source at the center of the Milky Way. It is in the direction of the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius.
Saggitarius A* | |
---|---|
Observation data | |
Type | Radio source |
Right ascension | 17h 45m 40.05s |
Declination | ±−29° 00′ 27.9″ |
Distance | 25900±1400 light years |
Constellation | Saggitarius |
Physical characteristics | |
Notable features | Radio source in the center of the Milky Way |
Other designations | Sgr A* |
See also: Diffuse nebula, Lists of nebulae | |
The radio source is part of a larger astronomical feature known as Sagittarius A. Sagittarius A* is thought to be a supermassive black hole,[1][2][3] like those that are at the centers of most spiral and elliptical galaxies. Observations of the star S2 in orbit around Sagittarius A* were used to show the presence of the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole. This led to the conclusion that Sagittarius A* is the site of that black hole.[4][5] Another star, S8, is orbiting Sagittarius A* along with many other stars. A star known as S14 has an extremely elliptical orbit[6]and a star named S4716 has an orbital period of only 4 years.[7]
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