EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have recently unveiled groundbreaking findings regarding the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, known as Sagittarius A (Sgr A). A decade of X-ray data from NASA’s NuSTAR telescope has provided new insights into the mysterious environment surrounding this colossal cosmic entity.

In a remarkable discovery, postbaccalaureate researcher Grace Sanger-Johnson identified nine previously undetected X-ray flares emanating from Sagittarius A*. These high-energy bursts illuminate the usually dark vicinity of the black hole, offering a rare glimpse into its immediate surroundings. The study of these flares provides a unique opportunity to delve into the extreme conditions that exist in the proximity of the black hole.

Simultaneously, undergraduate researcher Jack Uteg explored X-ray echoes from a nearby molecular cloud referred to as "the Bridge." By analyzing nearly two decades of data from NASA’s NuSTAR and the European Space Agency’s X-ray Multi-Mirror Newton observatory, Uteg deduced that the cloud’s brightness reflects past X-ray outbursts from Sagittarius A*, shedding light on its historical activity, which appears to have been more vigorous around 200 years ago.

These findings hold immense significance in deciphering the dynamic environment within our galaxy’s heart. The complexities of black holes often render direct study challenging due to their intense gravitational pull distorting light and signals. However, by examining the impact of these gravitational fields on surrounding matter, researchers can glean vital information about black hole behaviors. The work by Sanger-Johnson and Uteg exemplifies this method, illuminating both the immediate and historical activities of Sagittarius A*.

The newly discovered flares offer valuable insights into the physical processes near the black hole’s event horizon, where matter ingested by the black hole generates dramatic bursts of high-energy light. These fleeting flares, lasting from minutes to hours, release an extraordinary amount of energy, equivalent to millions of suns. By studying these flares’ properties, astronomers hope to uncover crucial details about the black hole’s consumption rate and the surrounding accretion disk’s nature, aiding in the development of models for black hole growth and activity.

The research conducted by Sanger-Johnson and Uteg not only advances our understanding of black holes but also exemplifies Michigan State University’s dedication to pioneering astronomical research and nurturing future astronomers. These findings bring us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of black holes and comprehending the ever-evolving environment at the Milky Way’s core.