Japanese Researchers Question Accuracy of Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole Image

A groundbreaking revelation has emerged regarding the image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Researchers from Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory (NAOJ) have raised significant doubts about the accuracy of this iconic image, initially unveiled by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration in May 2022. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, presents a compelling case that the structure of the black hole may be more complex than previously depicted, proposing an elongated accretion disk instead of the pronounced ring-like shape that has captured the public’s imagination.

The original image of Sagittarius A* captured a striking visual of the black hole, which is estimated to weigh approximately four million solar masses. It showcased what appeared to be a dark cloud surrounded by a glowing ring of light—a representation of the black hole’s accretion disk. This marked the second black hole image produced by the EHT, following the first-ever image of the Messier 87 black hole released in 2019. These black holes, hidden from view due to their gravitational pull, can only be seen indirectly through the light from the superheated matter in their accretion disks.

Miyoshi Makoto, a prominent astronomer at the NAOJ and a co-author of the recent paper, stated, “We hypothesize that the ring image resulted from errors during EHT’s imaging analysis and that part of it was an artefact, rather than the actual astronomical structure.” This assertion stems from the team’s reanalysis of the same data from 2017 used by the EHT to create its original image. However, their methodology differed, which led them to conclude that Sagittarius A* might possess an elongated shape rather than a uniform, doughnut-like structure.

This hypothesis mirrors findings from the EHT’s work with the M87 black hole, which also exhibited a ring-like appearance. Subsequent studies developed a polarized image of M87, showcasing intricate details including the magnetic field structures surrounding the black hole. In light of this, the ongoing research calls for more refined imaging techniques to clarify the enigmatic structures of these cosmic giants.

In a recent development, the EHT announced improvements to their imaging techniques in August, which promise sharper and more detailed representations of black holes in the near future. Such advancements could provide critical insights into the true nature of Sagittarius A* and its behavior, potentially altering our fundamental understanding of these extreme cosmic entities.