Astronomers Discover Fixed Star from Faraway Galaxy in Milky Way for the First Time
A team of researchers from the Miyagi University of Education and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan has made an astounding discovery – a fixed star near the massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way originated in another galaxy. This marks the first inter-galaxy star ever found.
Using the Subaru Telescope, the researchers observed the fixed star S0-6, which sits within 0.6 light-years of the black hole, equivalent to 6 trillion kilometers. It is under the influence of the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, which is 4 million times the mass of our sun.
By studying the brightness level and temperature of S0-6, the researchers determined that it was formed 10 billion years ago. Furthermore, its elemental composition is similar to stars found in the Small Magellanic Cloud and the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy near the Milky Way.
These findings suggest that S0-6 was born outside the Milky Way galaxy and traveled more than 50,000 light-years over the course of 10 billion years to reach the center of the Milky Way. Out of the numerous fixed stars around the black hole that were examined, S0-6 is the only one considered to have come from another galaxy.
I was really stunned by the outcome, said Shogo Nishiyama, an associate professor of astronomy at the Miyagi University of Education, reflecting the awe and surprise among the team of researchers.
Further investigation will focus on unraveling the mysteries surrounding stars around the black hole. Researchers are particularly interested in determining if S0-6 had a companion or if it reached the black hole alone.
Nishiyama highlighted their commitment to continuous monitoring of these stars to gather more insights and shed light on their origins and journeys. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the complex workings of the universe.
The implications of this groundbreaking finding extend beyond the scientific community. It captivates the interest of a global audience, igniting contemplation about the vastness and interconnectedness of our universe.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, discoveries like this remind us of the profound wonders that await us beyond the boundaries of our own galaxy.
