Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton have identified a potential supernova remnant in the vicinity of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The object, if confirmed, would mark the first supernova remnant found so close to our galaxy's core.
Observations show the ejected material is traveling at roughly two million miles per hour. The remnant is estimated to be about 1,700 years old, suggesting the original stellar explosion occurred relatively recently in cosmic terms.
The discovery relied on combined data from both space observatories. Chandra detects X-rays from hot gas and high-energy processes, while XMM-Newton provides complementary spectral information. Together, they offer a clearer picture of the object's structure and composition.
Confirmation would provide new insights into how supernovae influence their surroundings, even in extreme environments dominated by a black hole's gravity. It could also help scientists understand star formation and element distribution near galactic centers.
The team plans follow-up observations with other telescopes to verify the remnant's nature and refine its properties.