New discovery: Binary star system D9 orbits Sagittarius A in Milky Way
A pair of stars, designated D9, has been identified orbiting Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the core of the Milky Way, according to a study published in Nature Communications. This is the first time a binary star system has been detected in close proximity to such an immense gravitational force. The finding was made using data from the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). The binary system, described as a young stellar pair, was observed in the S cluster, a densely packed region of stars and other objects near Sagittarius A. D9’s existence offers critical insights into how stars and their systems can survive in environments characterised by extreme gravitational forces.
The lead researcher, Florian Peißker from the University of Cologne, stated in Nature Communications that this discovery challenges previous assumptions about the hostile nature of black hole surroundings, stating that black holes may not be as destructive as we thought.
Significance of the Binary System
Reportedly, binary star systems, which involve two stars orbiting each other, are commonly found across the universe. However, their presence near a supermassive black hole was previously thought unlikely due to the destabilising effects of the black hole’s intense gravity. D9, believed to be about 2.7 million years old, is expected to merge into a single star within the next one million years due to these forces.
According to Michal Zajaček, a researcher at Masaryk University, in a statement, gas and dust surrounding D9 suggest the binary system formed near the black hole, defying long-standing theories about star formation in such conditions.
Implications for Future Research
The discovery was made using a combination of data from ESO’s SINFONI and ERIS instruments, revealing recurring patterns in D9’s light spectrum. Researchers suggest this finding could enhance understanding of other enigmatic objects in the S cluster, including the so-called G objects. With advancements in instruments like ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope, further exploration of this unique environment is anticipated.
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Researchers have been provided with a detailed analysis of lakes and reservoirs in the Ohio River Basin through data collected by the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. According to reports, the U.S.-European mission, a collaboration between NASA and CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), has delivered critical insights into freshwater systems. Spanning an area comparable to France, the basin, which serves over 25 million residents, has been under close observation. The satellite has monitored global water heights across oceans, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs since early 2023, providing comprehensive coverage every 21 days. Its data, released earlier this year, includes water level measurements and spatial extent, offering an unparalleled understanding of water storage and movement.
Significance of High-Resolution Water Data
The information generated by SWOT is being used to calculate changes in water storage over time. As per a report by NASA, researchers can now evaluate river discharge with greater precision, enabling a clearer picture of how water moves through various stretches of rivers. Visual data for the Ohio River Basin, collected between July 2023 and November 2024, show water levels ranging from over 1,600 feet above sea level to under 330 feet, with variations marked in yellow and dark purple. These insights are expected to assist hydrologists in assessing local and watershed-wide water availability, the report further added.
Challenges in Freshwater Data Collection
Sources reveal that understanding water availability has traditionally been hindered by inconsistent data collection methods. While ground sensors and airborne surveys provide some coverage, their spatial and temporal limits necessitate additional data from satellites. However, these measurements often require integration with computer models, which have struggled to accurately represent regulated basins like the Ohio River Basin due to dam operations.
SWOT’s unified approach to measuring water levels and extent is reportedly providing a broader perspective. Colin Gleason, hydrologist and member of the SWOT science team, has stated to various publications that this data facilitates better collaboration among water managers. Researchers are still navigating the extensive data, but the potential to revolutionise water management practices has been highlighted.
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