The dusty cloud G2 passes the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way

This composite image shows the motion of the dusty cloud G2 as it closes in on, and then passes, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way.

These new observations with ESO’s VLT have shown that the cloud appears to have survived its close encounter with the black hole and remains a compact object that is not significantly extended.

In this image the position of the cloud in the years 2006, 2010, 2012 and February and September 2014 are shown, from left to right. The blobs have been colourised to show the motion of the cloud, red indicated that the object is receding and blue approaching. The cross marks the position of the supermassive black hole.

Credit:

ESO/A. Eckart

About the Image

Id:eso1512a
Type:Collage
Release date:26 March 2015, 12:00
Related releases:eso1512
Size:912 x 651 px

About the Object

Name:Sgr A*
Type:Milky Way : Galaxy : Component : Central Black Hole
Distance:25000 light years
Category:Quasars and Black Holes

Image Formats

Large JPEG
33.9 KB
Screensize JPEG
31.4 KB