In the present day within the historical past of astronomy, NASA pronounces proof of fabric being consumed by the black gap on the middle of our galaxy, confirming its existence.
On this false-color picture, the sturdy flare noticed by Chandra is the very vivid spot at middle. The dramatic flare lasted solely about three hours. Credit score: NASA/MIT/F.Baganoff et al.
- NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory detected a strong X-ray flare emanating from Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black gap on the middle of the Milky Method galaxy, in October 2000.
- This statement confirmed the existence of Sgr A*, beforehand inferred from infrared and radio knowledge, resolving prior ambiguity relating to its nature.
- The depth and sharpness of the Chandra X-ray flare supplied definitive proof of Sgr A*’s energetic accretion of matter.
- Subsequent Chandra-based analysis indicated that Sgr A*’s comparatively faint X-ray emissions are as a result of ejection of a majority of infalling materials, with lower than 1% reaching the occasion horizon.
NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory is the company’s flagship mission for X-ray astronomy. On Sept. 5, 2001, NASA introduced that astronomers utilizing Chandra in October of the earlier 12 months had witnessed a quick, sturdy X-ray flare coming from the supermassive black gap on the middle of our galaxy. This black gap, named Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) had lengthy been assumed to be there – infrared and radio observations of the middle of the Milky Method had indicated the presence of one thing giant and darkish. Nevertheless, the faintness of the X-ray emissions seen from the supposed black gap puzzled scientists. The sharpness of the imagery from Chandra and the violence of the flare in 2000 dispelled any doubts: There’s a supermassive black gap on the middle of the Milky Method, and it’s actively consuming. Research published over a decade later, additionally based mostly on Chandra observations, would recommend that Sgr A* is faint in X-ray as a result of it ejects most infalling supplies – lower than 1% make it to the occasion horizon.
