Scientists have discovered that some stars near the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way (Sagittarius A*) appear younger than they actually are due to a process of “cannibalism”.
A simulation of stars orbiting Sgr A* showed that close to the black hole, stars collide frequently due to their high speeds. Grazing collisions cause stars to shed outer layers, coating themselves in fresh hydrogen and hiding their true age.
However, this cannibalism shortens their lifespan by depleting their nuclear fuel more quickly. The stripped victim stars are left as “zombie stars”.
Further out from Sgr A*, collisions are less frequent but more likely to result in a complete merger of the colliding stars.
Observing collisions in our Milky Way’s center can reveal how stars evolve and interact under the strong gravity of a supermassive black hole, shedding light on other galactic cores. The research helps explain previously unresolved observations of stars near Sgr A*.
Source: space
