After years of anticipation, the international Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration presented the first image of the black hole located at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy, called Sagittarius A*. Scientists had previously suggested the presence of a black hole at this location, but there was no direct visual evidence until now.
UArizona astrophysicists Feryal Özel and Dimitrios Psaltis identified Sagittarius A* as an ideal target black hole more than 20 years ago. They call it a "Goldilocks black hole," with an environment "just right" for capturing an image.
Snapping an image of a black hole is just the beginning, says researcher Chi-Kwan "CK" Chan. To really understand the image, it must be compared with black hole simulations. UArizona worked with partners to create the world's largest simulation library.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Commencement will bring all graduates together in person at Arizona Stadium. Dante Lauretta, principal investigator of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, will deliver the keynote address.
Seven undergraduates will earn four university-wide awards at Friday's Commencement ceremony. The awards recognize character, integrity, perseverance and academic achievement.
