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 | |
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
Images for kids
-
Detection of an unusually bright X-ray flare from Sgr A*
-
Magnetar found very close to the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the center of the Milky Way galaxy
![]() | Hypatia |
![]() | Agnodice |
![]() | Aglaonice |
![]() | Mary the Jewess |