Neutron Stars Near Milky Way’s Center Offer New Research Opportunities

Research into neutron stars close to the Milky Way’s central black hole, Sagittarius A*, is providing scientists with new ways to study extreme physics and the environment at the galaxy’s core.

PSR J1745-2900, a magnetar discovered in 2013, is located roughly 0.33 light-years from Sagittarius A*. This neutron star was identified using several radio telescopes, including Effelsberg, Nançay, and Jodrell Bank, and is notable for its strong magnetic field and regular rotation period.

Magnetars like PSR J1745-2900 are a rare type of neutron star with magnetic fields typically ranging from 10^9 to 10^11 tesla. As of 2021, only about two dozen such objects had been confirmed within the Milky Way, making each discovery valuable for astrophysical research.

The proximity of PSR J1745-2900 to the galactic center allows researchers to use it as a probe for the ionized interstellar medium and to examine aspects of general relativity under extreme conditions. Its rotation period is about 3.76 seconds, and its magnetic field is estimated at approximately 10^10 tesla.

What the numbers show

• PSR J1745-2900 is about 0.33 light-years from Sagittarius A*
• The magnetar’s rotation period is approximately 3.76 seconds
• Its magnetic field strength is estimated at 10^10 tesla (10^14 gauss
• The suspected 2026 pulsar rotates every 8.19 milliseconds
• Roughly two dozen magnetars had been confirmed in the Milky Way by 2021

In February 2026, a team led by Karen Perez of the SETI Institute published findings in The Astrophysical Journal describing a suspected rapidly spinning pulsar near Sagittarius A*. This object was reported to emit radio signals detectable from Earth, with a rotation period of just 8.19 milliseconds.

The detection of this pulsar adds to the known population of neutron stars near the galactic center and provides further opportunities for precision tests of general relativity in the region surrounding Sagittarius A*.

Magnetars are defined by their extremely strong magnetic fields, which can reach up to 10^11 tesla. These objects are a subclass of neutron stars and are much rarer than typical pulsars, making discoveries near the galactic center especially noteworthy for ongoing research.

Observations of neutron stars in this region not only help scientists understand the properties of these dense objects but also offer a way to study the complex environment around the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.