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- Some astronomy history on the discovery of the black hole at the center of our galaxy.
How black hole Sgr-A* Was Found
- Context: High School
- Thread starter jedishrfu
- Start date
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SUMMARY
The supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr-A*) at the center of the Milky Way has a mass of approximately 4.3 million solar masses, equivalent to 1.4 trillion Earths. This discovery was made possible through advancements in observational techniques over the past 50 years, allowing astronomers to pinpoint its location amidst the galaxy's vast star field. The black hole's existence is confirmed by the gravitational effects it exerts on nearby stars, providing critical insights into the dynamics of our galaxy.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of gravitational dynamics in astrophysics
- Familiarity with observational astronomy techniques
- Knowledge of black hole physics and characteristics
- Basic comprehension of the Milky Way's structure and star distribution
- Research the methods used in detecting supermassive black holes, such as stellar orbit tracking
- Explore the implications of black hole mass on galaxy formation and evolution
- Learn about the Event Horizon Telescope and its role in imaging black holes
- Investigate the relationship between Sgr-A* and surrounding stellar populations
Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in the dynamics of black holes and their impact on galaxy structure.