Astronomers have identified S301 as the fastest known star in the Milky Way galaxy orbiting a supermassive black hole [1, 2].
The discovery provides a new window into the fundamental properties of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the galaxy [1, 3]. Because the star travels at such extreme speeds in close proximity to the singularity, its orbit allows scientists to test the laws of physics under intense gravitational pressure [1, 3].
S301 reaches speeds of approximately 90 million kilometres per hour [4]. This velocity is equivalent to about 56 million miles per hour [2] or 15,500 miles per second [2]. According to research data, the star is moving at eight percent of the speed of light [3].
The star follows a tight orbital path around Sagittarius A* with a period of 8.7 years [3]. This rapid circuit is significantly shorter than the orbits of many other stars in the galactic center, placing S301 among the most extreme objects ever observed in the Milky Way [1, 3].
Astronomers used high-precision tracking to monitor the star's movement. By measuring the curvature of its path and its maximum velocity, researchers can better calculate the mass and influence of the central black hole [1, 2]. The data suggests that S301 is currently the record-holder for stellar speed within the galaxy [1, 3].
“S301 is moving at 8% of the speed of light”
The detection of S301 allows scientists to observe relativistic effects, where gravity and speed warp time and space, on a stellar scale. By tracking a star that moves at a significant fraction of light speed, astronomers can verify if General Relativity holds true in the immediate vicinity of a supermassive black hole, potentially revealing new insights into how these cosmic objects consume matter and influence galactic evolution.
