Science
Milky Way black hole flared 300 years ago
Kyoto, Japan | May 10, 2008 12:01:13 AM IST
A team of Japanese astronomers has discovered the Milky Way galaxy's central black hole produced a powerful flare about three centuries ago. Using U.S., Japanese, and European X-ray satellites, the astronomers said their finding helps resolve a longstanding mystery: Why is the Milky Way's central black hole so quiescent? The researchers said the black hole, known as Sagittarius A, contains about 4 million times the mass of Earth's sun. Yet, the energy radiated from its surroundings is billions of times weaker than that emitted from central black holes in other galaxies. By observing how this cloud lit up and faded over 10 years (ending in 2005), we could trace back the black hole's activity 300 years ago, said team member Katsuji Koyama of Kyoto University. The black hole was a million times brighter three centuries ago. It must have unleashed an incredibly powerful flare. The galactic center is about 26,000 light-years from Earth, meaning events are seen as as they occurred 26,000 years ago. The research is to appear in journals produced by the Astronomical Society of Japan. (UPI)
Left parties oppose TN\'s demolition drive Gilani\'s statement proves Dawood in Pak: Advani Congress expels former MLA Harjinder Singh Piled up cases to be settled with consent 6 held for minor\'s death Eden to witness do or die battle between CSK and KKR PM, Sonia wish Karunanidhi speedy recovery JD(U) to fight from all seats in MP
| 
