For years, the supermassive black hole in the dark center of the Milky Way galaxy has been theorized about and studied. Finally, it's been captured in an image.
The black hole is often referred to as Sgr A*, pronounced. Its mass is about 4 million times that of the sun, and it's about 27,000 light years from Earth,Black holes have long been a source of public fascination, but they also pose notorious challenges to researchers, mainly because their gravitational fields are so strong that they either bend light or prevent it from escaping entirely.
"What made it extra challenging was the dynamic environment of Sgr A*, a source that burbled then gurgled as we looked at it," Özel said,"and the challenges of looking not only through our own atmosphere, but also through the gas clouds in the disk of our galaxy towards the center. It took several years to refine our image and confirm what we had, but we prevailed."
The researchers announced the news Thursday morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., but it was simultaneously released around the world, in a series of news conferences held in Mexico City, Shanghai, Tokyo, and other cities.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Astronomers capture 1st image of Milky Way's huge black holeNearly all galaxies, including our own, are believed to have these giant black holes at their center.
Weiterlesen »
Image of Black Hole at Center of Our Milky Way Galaxy Is Captured for First TimeThe work on Sagittarius A*, about 26,000 light-years from Earth, marks the second time an international collaboration of researchers has presented direct evidence of a black hole’s existence.
Weiterlesen »
Watch the Event Horizon Telescope's 'groundbreaking' Milky Way discovery online todaySomething 'groundbreaking' was discovered in the Milky Way galaxy, and global announcements begin at 9am EST! 🌌👀 🚨 Tune in here 👉
Weiterlesen »
Watch astronomers reveal a ‘groundbreaking discovery’ of the Milky Way galaxyWatch astronomers reveal a “groundbreaking discovery” of the Milky Way galaxy
Weiterlesen »
Black hole scientists to announce Milky Way galaxy discoveryScientists are set to announce on Thursday what they call a 'groundbreaking' Milky Way discovery in what could be the release of an image of the supermassive black hole lurking at our galaxy's center and devouring any matter wandering within its gargantuan gravitational pull.
Weiterlesen »