Astronomers have discovered the fastest known star in the Milky Way. The star has been designated S301. Just imagine: it reaches 25,000 km/s as it orbits the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A. That is more than 8% of the speed of light. Its rapid motion makes it possible to study gravity in extreme conditions.
S301 comes closer to the black hole than any known star — roughly at a distance from the Sun to Saturn. One full orbit takes just 8.7 years. By tracking the star’s motion, scientists hope to determine the rotation speed of Sagittarius A and test predictions of relativity.
What is especially intriguing is that in 2031, S301 will again approach the black hole. It is possible that this rapid “run” will help measure the spin of the cosmic monster at the center of our Galaxy more precisely.
