In an unprecedented discovery, astronomers led by Florian Peißker from the University of Cologne, Germany, have identified a binary star system named D9 orbiting the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way. This groundbreaking find, published in Nature Communications, unravels mysteries surrounding hypervelocity stars and the extreme environment near black holes.
Binary star systems, where two stars orbit each other, are common in the universe, but none have been observed near a supermassive black hole until now. Using the Very Large Telescope, the team detected D9 through subtle shifts in its starlight, known as the Doppler effect, confirming its binary nature.
The D9 system, approximately 2.7 million years old, likely formed elsewhere in the galaxy before venturing close to Sagittarius A*. Its presence highlights the black hole’s capacity to sustain complex systems despite its intense gravitational pull.
The discovery provides crucial evidence for understanding hypervelocity stars stars traveling over 1,000 km/s, far exceeding the typical 200 km/s galactic orbital speed.
Astronomers hypothesize that such stars originate from binary systems that stray too close to Sagittarius A*. The black hole’s immense gravity disrupts the system, flinging one star into space at extreme velocities while the other remains trapped.
Significance and Future Exploration
This discovery is a vital step toward unraveling the hypervelocity star phenomenon. Observations indicate that many hypervelocity stars are fleeing the galactic center, aligning with this theory.
Sagittarius A*, situated 27,000 light-years from Earth, continues to be a focal point for astronomical research. Understanding its interactions with stars like D9 not only sheds light on black hole dynamics but also offers insights into the broader mechanisms governing galactic evolution.
Locating Sagittarius A*
Amateur astronomers can locate Sagittarius A* near the constellation Sagittarius. Using a stargazing app or following the Scorpion’s tail in the sky can guide enthusiasts to this enigmatic region.
As research advances, the discovery of D9 marks a significant milestone in cosmic studies, enhancing our grasp of the universe’s most extreme and mysterious phenomena.
