Infrared observations of the orbits of stars close to the galactic center indicate a small object at the center with a mass of about how many solar masses?

Question

Makaila Fletcher

Physics

13 April, 20:36

Infrared observations of the orbits of stars close to the galactic center indicate a small object at the center with a mass of about how many solar masses?

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Answers (1)

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Turner Johnston · Answer 1

(4.31±0.38) million Solar masses.

Explanation:

The galactic center is the center of the milky way around which the galaxy rotates. It is most likely the location of a supermassive black hole which has a mass of (4.31±0.38) million Solar masses. The location is called Sagittarius A*.

As there is interstellar dust in our line of sight from the Earth infrared observations need to be taken.