Simulation of gas cloud approaching the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way

This simulated view shows a gas cloud (just above centre, with its orbit shown in red) that has been observed approaching the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. This is the first time ever that the approach of such a doomed cloud to a supermassive black hole has been observed and it is expected to break up completely during 2013. The stars orbiting the black hole are also shown along with blue lines marking their orbits. The stars and the cloud are shown in their actual positions in 2011.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso1151b
Type:Artwork
Release date:14 December 2011, 19:00
Related releases:eso1151
Size:4000 x 2250 px

About the Object

Name:Sgr A*
Type:Milky Way : Galaxy : Component : Central Black Hole
Distance:25000 light years
Category:Illustrations
Quasars and Black Holes

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