Stars At The Galactic Center (2009 June 14)

[orin stepanek]

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090614.html

[Credit: Susan Stolovy (SSC/Caltech) et al., JPL-Caltech, NASA
Explanation: The center of our Milky Way Galaxy is hidden from the prying eyes of optical telescopes by clouds of obscuring dust and gas. But in this stunning vista, the Spitzer Space Telescope's infrared cameras, penetrate much of the dust revealing the stars of the crowded galactic center region. A mosaic of many smaller snapshots, the detailed, false-color image shows older, cool stars in bluish hues. Reddish glowing dust clouds are associated with young, hot stars in stellar nurseries. The very center of the Milky Way was only recently found capable of forming newborn stars. The galactic center lies some 26,000 light-years away, toward the constellation Sagittarius. At that distance, this picture spans about 900 light-years.]

I've often wondered if intelligent life forms living on an imaginary planet near the galactic center would have a greater chance for interstellar exploration. It seems to me that the concentration of stars there would give excellent opportunities there compared to the remote areas of the farther out areas of the galaxy!

Orin

[zbvhs]

Considering the apparently violent processes near the galactic center, could life-forms of any kind survive there much less develop to the point of space travel?

[bystander]

I think I would rather be in a globular cluster. Although star density may not be as great, there are usually no super massive black holes lurking about, and radiation is probably significantly less.

[Chris Peterson]

I think I would rather be in a globular cluster. Although star density may not be as great, there are usually no super massive black holes lurking about, and radiation is probably significantly less.

Either way, there is serious doubt that stable planetary systems could even form (where "stable" means remaining is fixed orbits long enough for intelligent life to evolve). I don't think moderate proximity to a supermassive black hole is much of a problem, but in a high density region containing young stars there's the problem of sterilizing supernovas happening a bit too often for long term survival of life, as well.

[orin stepanek]

True the super massive black hole I'm sure would be a problem; but if your 200 to 300 LY from the core of the entity; your still pretty much in the galactic center.I would think conditions would be a bit stable there. Maybe; maybe not; it's fun to surmise though.
Hey bystander; True enough; a cluster may provide a better environment for exploration. Who knows what lurks in some reaches of the galaxy.
I've seen an article where stars were monitored orbiting the black hole; and no I wouldn't want any part of that.http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/pres ... 46-08.html there it is too close to the black hole. 8)

Orin