How did star S0-6 reach the center of our galaxy?

Star S0-6 is a mystery to astronomers. Its chemical composition and location in the Milky Way raise interesting questions.

Sendai – An unexpected guest has appeared near the heart of our galaxy. Star S0-6, whose chemical properties are more similar to those of small satellite galaxies than our own Milky Way, could not have formed here. His old age indicates a long journey. But how did he get here?

Stars can move at high speeds and over great distances through events such as supernova explosions or collisions with massive objects. It is possible that a star from outside the galaxy will find its way to us. But what makes this case remarkable is the fact that S0-6 has almost penetrated the center of the Milky Way.

A strange star has arrived at the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy

Researcher Shogo Nishiyama and his research team from Miyagi University of Education are investigating the matter in a studyHow S0-6 got to the heart of the Milky Way. The star is currently only 0.04 light-years away from the black hole Sagittarius A*, which is located at the center of our galaxy. Although S0-6 is the first star to be discovered in this region outside our galaxy, it is not uncommon to find strange stars nearby.

The enormous power of a black hole usually prevents the formation of new stars in its vicinity. Therefore, the stars found there must have originated elsewhere and migrated there. This can also happen with stars from the surrounding region that move into a narrower orbit through interactions with their surroundings. Or, like S0-6, it could come from another galaxy.

Where does star S0-6 come from?

Nishiyama's team is now trying to determine the origin of S0-6. Stars that form in the same place usually have similar chemical properties. The configuration of S0-6 is reminiscent of the Small Magellanic Cloud and the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy. This indicates that the star must have traveled at least 50,000 light-years since its formation. However, Nishiyama suspects that the star's hometown may no longer exist.

The chemical composition of S0-6 indicates that it comes from a satellite galaxy. Throughout its history, the Milky Way has “devoured” several smaller galaxies. S0-6's hometown was probably one of them. In addition to the star's origin, Nishiyama and his team want to know whether S0-6 began its long journey on its own or whether there are other stars of its kind in our galaxy.

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