Astronomers from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, in conjunction with scientists from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The EHT has captured a new image of Sgr A* in polarized light, unveiling strong and organized magnetic fields spiraling from the edge of the black hole.

This significant achievement marks the first time astronomers have been able to measure polarization, a signature of magnetic fields, in such close proximity to the edge of a black hole. The polarized view of the Milky Way black hole, as depicted in the image, showcases the orientation of polarization lines, which are indicative of the magnetic field surrounding the shadow of the black hole.

The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveal a magnetic field structure around Sgr A* that bears a striking resemblance to the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy. This similarity suggests that strong magnetic fields may be a common feature among black holes, hinting at the presence of a hidden jet in Sgr A*.

The initial image of Sgr A* was unveiled in 2022, showcasing its remarkable similarity to the black hole in the M87 galaxy, despite being significantly smaller and less massive. This prompted scientists to investigate whether the two black holes shared common traits beyond their visual resemblance. The decision to study Sgr A* in polarized light stemmed from previous studies of the magnetic fields around M87*, which provided insights into the mechanisms allowing it to launch powerful jets of material into space.

This groundbreaking discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the nature of supermassive black holes and their magnetic fields, shedding light on the potential similarities and differences between these enigmatic cosmic entities.