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Diameter and Proper Motion of Sgr A∗

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 May 2016

D. C. Backer
D. C. Backer*
Affiliation:
Astronomy Department & Radio Astronomy Laboratory University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 USA

Abstract

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The best hypothesis for the energy source of the compact, nonthermal radio source in the center of our galaxy, Sagittarius A∗ (Sgr A∗), is accretion onto a massive black hole from winds emanating from nearby luminous stars. The hole mass, accretion rate, and ultimate fate of accreted matter are uncertain. In this report I give a summary of recent critical observations. The interpretation of these results supports this general hypothesis, and begins to place constraints on model parameters. If so, then Sgr A∗ is a miniature version of extragalactic AGNs in a quiescent state.

Type
Chapter 3: What is the Nature of the Center of the Galaxy?
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 169: Unsolved Problems of the Milky Way , 1996 , pp. 193 - 198
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1996 

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