Scientists Detect Water Molecules Near Supermassive Black Hole at the Center of the Milky Way

Astronomers have detected the presence of water in extreme conditions near the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of our galaxy. The discovery showed that simple molecules can form and survive even in regions with intense radiation.

The detection of water vapor in close proximity to the galactic core came as a surprise to researchers. Previously, it was thought that harsh radiation and gravitational forces near the black hole would quickly destroy such chemical compounds.

Water molecules were detected in the dense disk of gas and dust surrounding the central object of the Milky Way. Scientists suggest that the molecules form in the inner shielded regions of the cloud, where the density of matter allows them to withstand the destructive effects of ultraviolet and X-ray radiation.

The new data will help astrophysicists revise existing models of chemical evolution of matter in extreme regions of space and better understand the processes occurring at the centers of galaxies.