Two Stars Might Be Orbiting Near a Supermassive Black Hole in the Milky Way

A black hole in the center of the Milky Way

Astronomers Discover Possible Binary Stars Near Sagittarius A*

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have observed what they believe are two stars orbiting each other near the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

Nearly every massive galaxy hosts a supermassive black hole at its core. The Milky Way’s black hole, known as Sagittarius A* (pronounced “Sagittarius A-star”), is approximately 4 million times more massive than the Sun. While relatively quiet, it occasionally consumes nearby gas and dust.


A Rare Cosmic Duo

Though stars are known to form and orbit near these massive black holes, this marks the first time researchers have identified a binary star system surviving so close to one.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, this discovery highlights a unique celestial event.

According to Anna Ciurlo, an astrophysicist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved in the research:

“This discovery opens the door to further questions about how such systems can exist near a black hole.”


A Precise Balance Between Distance and Gravity

The twin stars are estimated to be 2.7 million years old—relatively young on a cosmic scale. Their proximity to each other and to the black hole suggests a delicate balance.

  • Too far apart: The intense gravitational pull of Sagittarius A* would tear them apart.
  • Too close: They would merge into a single star.

For now, the system seems stable, but its fate remains uncertain. Study lead author Florian Peissker from the University of Cologne explained that the two stars may eventually merge:

“We’re incredibly fortunate to observe this system at this precise moment.”


Why This Discovery Matters

This observation could provide valuable insights into:

  1. Star formation near supermassive black holes.
  2. The dynamics of binary systems in extreme environments.
  3. The effects of intense gravitational forces on celestial objects.

Key Details at a Glance

  • Discovery: Binary stars near Sagittarius A*.
  • Location: Center of the Milky Way galaxy.
  • Significance: First known binary star system in such proximity to a supermassive black hole.
  • Challenges: Requires further study to confirm the nature and stability of the system.

Source: AP News

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