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Sagittarius A* facts for kids

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Saggitarius A
Sagittarius 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.

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