Black holes exist at the centers of galaxies from "summary" of The Milky Way by Moiya McTier
At the heart of each galaxy lies a mysterious and powerful entity known as a black hole. This enigmatic cosmic structure exerts a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape its grasp. Scientists have long theorized about the existence of these dark behemoths, and recent observations have confirmed their presence at the centers of most galaxies, including our own Milky Way. Black holes are formed when massive stars reach the end of their lives and collapse under their own gravity. The resulting singularity creates a gravitational well so deep that it warps space-time around it, trapping anything that comes too close. These invisible monsters lurk in the shadows, silently consuming nearby gas, dust, and even entire stars. The presence of a black hole at the center of a galaxy has profound implications for its evolution. As matter spirals into the black hole's event horizon, it releases enormous amounts of energy in the form of radiation and high-speed particles. This process, known as accretion, can shape the surrounding galaxy by influencing star formation rates, gas dynamics, and even the distribution of dark matter. One of the most fascinating aspects of black holes is their ability to affect the motion of stars within their host galaxies. By studying the orbits of stars near the center of the Milky Way, astronomers have been able to measure the mass of the supermassive black hole lurking there. This invisible giant, known as Sagittarius A*, weighs in at a staggering four million times the mass of our Sun. Despite their fearsome reputation, black holes play a crucial role in the cosmic ecosystem. By recycling matter and energy through accretion and powerful outflows, they help regulate the growth and evolution of galaxies over billions of years. Understanding the nature of these cosmic beasts is essential for unraveling the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.
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