Black hole at Milky Way center shows violent past in X-ray reflections

NASA's XRISM X-ray telescope detected X-ray reflections from a molecular cloud near the galaxy's center, which the article reports as evidence of powerful eruptions from the central supermassive black hole over roughly the past 1,000 years.

NASA's XRISM X-ray telescope has returned observations that shed light on the history of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. That black hole, known as Sgr A*, remains not fully understood. Scientists observed a nearby molecular cloud and used it as a mirror for X-rays coming from the galactic center. The reflected X-rays reveal evidence of powerful eruptions over roughly the last 1,000 years. Key findings: - NASA's XRISM X-ray telescope observed a molecular cloud near the galaxy's center. - The cloud acted like a mirror, reflecting X-rays originating from the central region. - The reflected X-rays are reported as evidence of powerful eruptions from the central supermassive black hole over the last ~1,000 years. - The article notes that black holes' gravity prevents light from escaping and that matter around them can generate eruptions. - Current instruments have not detected ongoing eruptions from Sgr A*. Summary: XRISM's observations provide new detail about past activity at the Milky Way's center and indicate the central black hole experienced strong outbursts within the last millennium. The article reports that further studies will be needed to confirm and expand on these findings.