Image Source : https://www.science.org/
EHT Reveals Unprecedented Image of Sagittarius A*, Black Hole at Milky Way's Heart
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has released a groundbreaking image of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole located at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. This remarkable achievement marks the first time astronomers have captured a visual representation of the magnetic field surrounding a black hole.
Historical Breakthrough
In May 2022, scientists unveiled the first image of Sgr A*, a celestial behemoth that weighs 6.5 billion times more than the Sun. This extraordinary feat was made possible by the collaboration of eight observatories around the world, forming the EHT network.
Magnetic Field Revelation
The latest image captured by the EHT offers a captivating glimpse into the realm near Sgr A*. It reveals a strong, twisted, and ordered magnetic field encircling the black hole. This magnetic field is believed to play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of the black hole's accretion disk, a swirling mass of gas and dust that spirals into the black hole.
Polarized Light Observation
The EHT captured the image of Sgr A* in polarized light, a technique that allows astronomers to study the orientation and strength of the magnetic field. This is the first time scientists have obtained such a visual representation of a black hole's magnetic field.
Previous Discovery
In 2019, the EHT released the first image of a supermassive black hole located in the galaxy M87, which is 54.8 million light years away from the Milky Way Galaxy. This image provided valuable insights into the nature of black holes and their surrounding environments.
Cosmic Exploration
The EHT's latest image of Sgr A* is a testament to the advancements in astronomical technology and our ability to explore the depths of the cosmos. It offers scientists a new perspective on the dynamics of supermassive black holes and opens up avenues for further research into their behavior and influence.
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