Topic: Sagittarius A*: Peering Into The Heart of Darkness

[sam]

http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2010/sgra/

Astronomers have long known that the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, known as Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), is a particularly poor eater. The fuel for this black hole comes from powerful winds blown off dozens of massive young stars that are concentrated nearby. These stars are located a relatively large distance away from Sgr A*, where the gravity of the black hole is weak, and so their high-velocity winds are difficult for the black hole to capture and swallow. Scientists have previously calculated that Sgr A* should consume only about 1% of the fuel carried in the winds.

[Clive]

The most fascinating area of our entire galaxy!  There is so much to learn about it. 

[sam]

indeed, I'm part of team surveying the Galactic plane with the Arecibo telescope, exciting stuff.