First Binary Star System Found Near Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole

An international team of researchers has discovered the first-ever binary star system near Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The study, published in Nature Communications, challenges assumptions about the destructive nature of black holes, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

"Black holes are not as destructive as we thought," said Florian Peibker of the University of Cologne, lead author of the study.

Using data from the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, the team identified the binary system, named D9. Despite intense gravitational forces, the stars remain stable, defying previous theories that such environments are too hostile for binary stars to survive.

Implications for Planet Formation

D9, estimated to be 2.7 million years old, also raises questions about planet formation near black holes. The system shows signs of gas and dust, the building blocks of planets. "It could be a very young stellar system," noted co-author Michal Zajacek.

While the immense gravity of Sagittarius A is expected to merge the two stars within a million years, researchers believe the detection of planets near the galactic center is only a matter of time.

A Puzzle Piece for Understanding the Universe

This discovery complements earlier findings of mysterious "G objects" near Sagittarius A, which might also be merging binary systems. "It’s another piece of the enormous puzzle of our universe," said Clare Kenyon of the University of Melbourne.

The breakthrough offers new insights into how stars and potentially planets can survive in extreme environments, opening doors for further exploration of planetary systems in unexpected regions of the cosmos.