Panorama

Astronomers discover fastest star orbiting black hole at the center of the Milky Way

Scientists have discovered the fastest known star, S301, which orbits the black hole Sagittarius A* at a speed of 25,000 kilometers per second.

20 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

AI-generatedWritten by an AI system, editorially responsible — how we work

Archive photo: Astronomers discover fastest star orbiting black hole at the center of the Milky Way — Archive photoPhoto: Ted Potters · Flickr · PDM

Astronomers have discovered the fastest known star, S301, that orbits the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. This star moves at a speed of about 25,000 kilometers per second, which is an exceptional velocity in our galaxy.

The discovery may provide new insights into the characteristics of the black hole Sagittarius A*. Understanding the motion of S301 could help gather information on how this black hole functions and rotates.

According to the researchers, this find could enhance our understanding of the extreme environment surrounding the black hole. The speed of S301 allows scientists to learn more about the dynamics in the vicinity of this supermassive object.

The discovery is significant not only because of the star's speed but also due to its proximity to the black hole, leading to interesting observations.

Astronomers have studied various stars that orbit black holes in the past, but the speed of S301 enables them to delve deeper into the workings of that black hole and potentially confirm whether Einstein's theoretical models hold true.

The observations were made using advanced telescopes capable of recording these extremes in space. This research highlights the progress in astronomy and the ongoing quest to understand our universe.

This item was written by an AI system on the basis of the headlines and short teasers of the independently operating newsrooms named below. We disclose this under Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act). Before publication we check origin and verifiability — anything that appears in only one place is not published — as well as language, substance and legally sensitive content. No separate substantive review of each individual item by a natural person takes place; we therefore do not rely on the exemption in Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of the AI Act. Editorial responsibility for this publication rests with the person named in the imprint (§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV). Please report errors to [email protected] — we will correct or remove the item. Full reports are available from the sources listed.