Researchers have identified a potential millisecond pulsar candidate near Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. If confirmed, the discovery could allow scientists to conduct precise measurements of space-time and gravity in one of the most extreme environments known.
Scientists involved in the Breakthrough Listen Galactic Center Survey reported detecting an 8.19-millisecond pulsar candidate using sensitive radio observations. Millisecond pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit highly regular radio signals, often described as cosmic clocks.
Precise timing of pulsars located near massive objects may allow researchers to test aspects of General Relativity with unprecedented accuracy. A confirmed pulsar close to Sagittarius A* could help scientists observe gravitational effects around a supermassive black hole directly.
The findings were published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and are undergoing further verification through follow-up observations.
Pulsars are known for extremely stable signal patterns. When gravitational forces or environmental factors influence them, measurable changes in pulse timing can occur. Detecting such variations near the Milky Way’s centre could provide insights into:
Black hole gravitational behaviour
Space-time distortions
Fundamental physics models
Researchers noted that continued observation and confirmation are required before the object is formally classified as a pulsar.
About the Author Brad Socha is the founder of The Universal Record, focused on sourced, factual global reporting. Coverage includes international news, geopolitics, technology, and major developments.
