The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery about the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). The telescope has observed the black hole constantly emitting flares, creating cosmic bubbles.
These findings are significant because they provide valuable insights into how black holes interact with their environments and influence the evolution of galaxies. Sgr A* is unique in that it is always active, constantly emitting flares of varying brightness and duration. This activity suggests that the black hole is in a perpetual state of flux, never reaching a stable state.
The JWST's observations have revealed that Sgr A*'s accretion disk, a disk of gas and dust surrounding the black hole, generates flares up to six times a day, with even smaller sub-flares occurring more frequently. These flares are thought to be caused by magnetic reconnection, a process where magnetic field lines in the accretion disk interact and release energy.
The JWST's ability to observe in mid-infrared light has allowed scientists to study the fainter, longer-duration flares that were previously undetectable. This has provided a more complete picture of Sgr A*'s activity and its impact on the surrounding environment.
The discovery of Sgr A*'s constant flaring has opened up new avenues for research into the nature of supermassive black holes and their role in galaxy evolution. The JWST's observations will continue to provide valuable data for scientists to unravel the mysteries of these cosmic giants.