Astronomers believe that there is a massive black hole at the center of the Milk

Question

Astronomers believe that there is a massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. What evidence is there for that?
A group of astronomers have observed a star "S2" in a 15.2-year orbit around the center of the galaxy. They measured the period of revolution T = 15.2 years, the eccentricity of the elliptical orbit ? = 0.87, and the semimajor axis of the orbit a = 4.62 mpc. [The unit: mpc = milli-parsec = 0.001 parsec.]

(A) Calculate the mass of the compact object about which S2 is revolving.

(B) Compare the mass to the mass of the sun.

(C) Compare the radius of the orbit of S2, to the size of our solar system.

Explanation / Answer

A swarm of stars orbiting a vast black hole at the centre of the Milky Way has been mapped with remarkable precision, providing astronomers with their most detailed look yet at the heart of our galaxy.

Observations by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile has found the strongest evidence yet for a supermassive black hole at the galaxy

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.