Swirling Magnetic Field around Our Galaxy's Central Black Hole
The story
What's happening to the big black hole in the center of our galaxy? It is sucking in matter from a swirling disk -- a disk that is magnetized, it has now been confirmed. Specifically, the black hole's accretion disk has recently been seen to emit polarized light, radiation frequently associated with a magnetized source. Pictured here is a close-up of Sgr A*, our Galaxy's central black hole, taken by radio telescopes around the world participating in the Event Horizon Telesco
Highlights
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Frequently asked
What is this image of?
What's happening to the big black hole in the center of our galaxy? It is sucking in matter from a swirling disk -- a disk that is magnetized, it has now been confirmed. Specifically, the black hole's accretion disk has recently been seen …
Who captured it?
This image is credited to NASA, featured via NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.
When was it published?
NASA featured this image on 2024-04-01.
Can I use this image?
NASA imagery is generally free to use for education; check the official APOD page for specific credit and licensing.
See it in full resolution
Open NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for the high-resolution image, full explanation and credits.
View on NASA APODOpens the official source in a new tab.
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