In the heart of the Milky Way galaxy lies a colossal supermassive black hole, known as Sagittarius A* or Sgr A*, exhibiting a remarkable phenomenon.
According to NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the black hole is spinning at an astonishing speed, distorting spacetime into an oval shape reminiscent of a rugby ball.
The findings, based on meticulous analysis of X-ray and radio measurements, shed light on the enigmatic properties of this celestial entity.
"Black holes have two fundamental properties. The first is their mass, or how much they weigh. The second is their spin, or how quickly they rotate. Determining either of these two values tells scientists a great deal about any black hole and how it behaves," explained NASA.
Although the exact rotational speed of Sgr A* remains elusive, scientists are confident that its mass is approximately four million times that of the Sun. The study employs a novel approach, utilising material movement towards and away from the black hole, coupled with X-ray and radio data, to calculate its spin rate.
The results unveil a black hole spinning at a remarkable pace, with NASA stating, "Scientists think that it is rotating so quickly that it is warping spacetime around it into a shape that looks like an American football."
Spacetime, a fusion of time and three-dimensional space, is a concept long associated with black holes. The recent study provides substantial evidence that the Milky Way's black hole is actively distorting spacetime.
"Our work may help settle the question of how fast our galaxy's supermassive black hole is spinning. Our results indicate that Sgr A* is spinning very rapidly, which is interesting and has far-reaching implications," said Ruth Daly of Penn State University, lead author of the study.
The rapid spin of the black hole carries significant implications, serving as a potent source of energy. Extracting spin energy from such supermassive black holes can lead to the creation of narrow outflows resembling jets. Despite Sgr A* currently being relatively inactive, this discovery suggests potential heightened activity in the future.
"A spinning black hole is like a rocket on the launch pad," remarked Biny Sebastian, a co-author from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. "Once the material gets close enough, it's like someone has fueled the rocket and hit the 'launch' button."
NASA highlights the possibility of increased activity if the properties of matter and magnetic field strength near the black hole undergo changes. This spin-induced energy could drive more powerful outflows, particularly if a star ventures too close and its material succumbs to the gravitational forces of the black hole.