How We Discovered the Milky Way's Black Hole

The video explores the discovery and study of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Initially detected through radio waves by Karl Jansky in the 1930s, it wasn't until 1974 that astronomers confirmed its existence using radio interferometry. Despite early challenges in resolution, further research in the 2000s confirmed its mass and radius, solidifying its status as a black hole. Future observations aim to capture its image and test theories of gravity and space-time.

What significant discovery was made about Sagittarius A* in 1974?

Who was the physicist that first traced radio waves to Sagittarius A?

What was the main challenge astronomers faced when trying to identify the source of radio waves from Sagittarius A*?

What technology did astronomers use to improve the resolution of their observations of Sagittarius A*?

What inspired the naming of Sagittarius A* with an asterisk?

What was the mass of the black hole Sagittarius A* compared to the Sun?

What future advancements are expected to help scientists learn more about Sagittarius A*?