The Gas Near Sagittarius A-star is Enriched in Metals, Probably from Supernovae Explosions

The Gas Near Sagittarius A-star is Enriched in Metals, Probably from Supernovae Explosions

The region near Sagittarius A-star, the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, is enriched in metals, although only modestly. The likely cause is supernovae explosions, which synthesize elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. Over time, this metal-rich gas found its way towards the SMBH. The increased metallicity and heat from the supernova affect how fast gas flows into the SMBH.