New infrared observations reveal an unexpected mystery: The heart of our galaxy, rich in star-forming material, is oddly quiet when it comes to making new stars.
Key Points at a Glance
- SOFIA data shows low massive star formation in the Milky Way’s central regions
- Three key regions—Sgr B1, B2, and C—form fewer, smaller stars than expected
- Hostile conditions near the galactic black hole likely disrupt star formation
- Sgr B2 remains a rare exception with gas reserves for future star births
- Findings challenge long-held assumptions about stellar nurseries
Galactic centers are typically bustling with star births. But in the Milky Way, it seems the action is winding down. New research led by the SETI Institute and Caltech’s IPAC, using NASA’s now-retired SOFIA infrared observatory, reveals that the central regions of our galaxy are forming far fewer massive stars than expected—despite being rich in star-forming gas and dust.
Scientists focused on three stellar nurseries—Sgr B1, B2, and C—nestled close to the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole. These clouds should, in theory, be stellar factories. But surprisingly, the team found that star formation there is sluggish. The study’s co-leads, Dr. James De Buizer and Dr. Wanggi Lim, discovered that these regions produce fewer high-mass stars than their quieter galactic counterparts—and may only support a single generation of star birth.
“We’re seeing massive stars forming, yes,” said De Buizer, “but at a pace that’s unusually low for such dense regions.” This contrasts with previous studies that hinted there may be no star formation happening at all. SOFIA’s high-resolution infrared vision revealed over six dozen newborn giants—but that’s far below expectations.
The culprit appears to be extreme galactic conditions. The central regions whip around the black hole, interacting violently with older stars and incoming material. This turbulence likely prevents gas clouds from coalescing and holding together long enough to form stars. Even when stars do begin to form, their host clouds may be too unstable to support sustained creation.
Sgr B2 stands out as a notable exception. Though it also exhibits a low current formation rate, its dense core of gas and dust remains intact. That could mean another star cluster is still waiting to be born—an encouraging hint in an otherwise dim region.
Traditionally, regions like Sgr B1 and C were believed to be giant H II regions: glowing gas clouds hosting massive young clusters. This study upends that notion, suggesting these zones may represent a new, largely unrecognized type of one-shot stellar nursery—brief, brilliant, and then done.
Dr. Lim notes, “These regions look the part, but they underperform. They’re missing the most massive stars we typically see—and they’re not building the future generations we expect.”
As researchers continue to piece together the puzzle of our galaxy’s evolution, one thing becomes clear: the Milky Way’s center is stranger—and quieter—than we thought. Future infrared observatories will help confirm whether this slow-down is unique to our galaxy or common across the cosmos.
Source: SETI Institute
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