What is the best evidence for a massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way?

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Study for the University of Central Florida AST2002 Astronomy Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your final!

The evidence for a massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way primarily comes from observing the orbits of stars near the galactic core. Astronomers have tracked the motions of several stars in this region over time, and their orbital paths reveal that these stars are moving at extremely high speeds around an invisible object.

These high velocities imply the presence of a significant gravitational force, which can only be accounted for by a massive object. Based on these observations, scientists have estimated that the hidden object must have a mass equivalent to approximately four million solar masses, concentrated in a very small area. Such a concentration of mass aligns perfectly with the characteristics of a supermassive black hole, giving strong credence to the conclusion that a black hole is located at the center of our galaxy.

Other options do not provide the same level of compelling evidence. For instance, the presence of a bright quasar indicates an active supermassive black hole in another galaxy but is not relevant for the Milky Way’s center, and supernova explosions, while significant cosmic events, do not directly indicate the presence of a black hole. High-energy radiation from the center of our galaxy can suggest energetic processes, but it is the precise measurements of star orbits that provide