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Astrophysicists surprised by light show around the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole
- Astrophysicists using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered constant flares from the accretion disk around the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
- Sagittarius A* is significant due to its mass equivalent to billions of suns and proximity, allowing for detailed observations of gas and dust flow.
- Flares varying in duration and brightness were observed, with the black hole displaying continuous activity without a steady state.
- Studying Sagittarius A* can provide insights into black hole behavior, interactions with surroundings, and galaxy evolution.
- The team monitored the black hole over 48 hours using JWST's NIRCam, revealing ongoing fireworks with significant flares and sub-flares.
- The unpredictability and randomness of the black hole's activity, including sudden bursts of brightness, were noted.
- Minor disturbances within the accretion disk generate faint flickers, while longer and brighter flares are akin to tidal waves caused by significant events.
- Events similar to solar flares and magnetic reconnection were observed, showcasing the extreme and energetic nature around black holes.
- The team found a time delay in measurements at different wavelengths, providing insights into particle energy loss during flares.
- Future studies aim to observe Sagittarius A* for longer periods using JWST to uncover finer details and potential periodicity in the flares.
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