A newly found star circles the Milky Way's central black hole every 8.7 years and passes it at about 25,000 kilometres a second, more than 8 percent of the speed of light, and the pass is so close that its discoverers say there is a fair chance of measuri

Astronomers have announced the discovery of a star that circles the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, Sgr A*, on an 8.7‑year orbit. During each pass the star moves at about 25,000 km/s, exceeding eight percent of the speed of light. The proximity and velocity make it the fastest star ever observed in the Galactic centre, according to the initial reports.\n\nCoverage across six science outlets emphasizes different implications.

New Scientist calls it the “fastest star ever spotted at the centre of our galaxy.” Yourweather.co.uk notes its potential to test the rotation of Sgr A*. EarthSky and Smithsonian Magazine say the object could unlock secrets about the behemoth black hole. ZME Science highlights the 8 %‑of‑light speed, while Space Daily details the 8.7‑year period and close approach, noting a fair chance of measuring relativistic effects.\n\nThe extreme orbit is valuable for probing the strong‑gravity regime near a supermassive black hole.

Follow‑up papers and continued monitoring will show whether the star can deliver the promised relativistic tests.