Scientists have recently revealed a new image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*, shedding light on its magnetic field structure in unprecedented detail. The image showcases strong, twisted, and organized magnetic fields near the black hole, forming a captivating spiral pattern.
Sagittarius A* is located approximately 27,000 light years away from Earth and is often likened to a doughnut in both shape and distance. This new image offers a fresh perspective on the “monster” lurking at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy.
Although black holes are typically invisible, they possess a substantial influence on their surrounding space by creating accretion disks of gas and material that revolve around the dark central region. This discovery marks an important breakthrough in understanding the behavior of black holes and their impact on the universe.
This latest image follows the groundbreaking release of the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019, which depicted the black hole at the center of galaxy Messier 87 (M87) in the Virgo galaxy cluster. Researchers have noted striking similarities in the polarization structures of Sagittarius A* and M87*, underscoring the critical role of strong and ordered magnetic fields in shaping how black holes interact with their environment.
While M87* has remained stable, Sagittarius A* is undergoing rapid changes, posing challenges for capturing clear images of it. To obtain this new image, the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration utilized eight telescopes worldwide to form a virtual instrument capable of capturing the intricate details of Sagittarius A*.
Looking ahead, the collaboration is set to observe the black hole once again in April, offering further insights into the enigmatic world of black holes and their magnetic field structures. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking research.