What Happens When Giant Stars Encounter Black Holes? Understanding Partial Tidal Disruption Events
Giant stars undergoing Partial Tidal Disruption Events (PTDEs) near black holes lose parts of their envelopes but retain their dense cores. These remnants quickly re-expand into giant-like structures, often brighter than stars of similar mass. Repeated PTDEs gradually strip more mass, creating lighter giants without significantly altering their lifetimes. Observing such remnants near galactic centers could reveal past black hole activity and stellar dynamics.
A Deeper Look at the Mysterious Heart of our Galaxy: Understanding Sagittarius A*
The study focuses on Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, examining its behavior and influence on its surroundings. Using advanced observational techniques across multiple wavelengths, scientists explore its accretion disk, occasional bursts of activity, and the jets it emits. By analyzing these phenomena, researchers aim to understand how supermassive black holes form, grow, and shape their host galaxies. Future advancements, such as the Event Horizon Telescope, promise even deeper insights into Sgr A* and its broader implications for galactic evolution.