Sagittarius A* facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saggitarius A
Saggitarius A* image by Chandra X-Ray Observatory
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
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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.

The radio source is part of a larger astronomical feature known as Sagittarius A. Sagittarius A* is thought to be a supermassive black hole, 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.

Related pages

• Sagittarius A
• Sagittarius

Images for kids

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  Detection of an unusually bright X-ray flare from Sgr A*

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  Dusty cloud G2 passes the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way

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  Magnetar found very close to the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the center of the Milky Way galaxy

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  Stars moving around Sagittarius A* as seen in 2018

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  Stars moving around Sagittarius A* as seen in 2021