Astronomers have observed a small, massive object at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. A ring of material orbits this massive object; the ring has a diameter of about 15 light years and an orbital speed of about 200 km/s.

Observations of stars, as well as theories of the structure of stars, suggest that it is impossible for a single star to have a mass of more than about 50 solar masses. Can this massive object be a single, ordinary star?

Yes, it can be a single, ordinary star.

Explanation: To determine a mass of a star, we use the orbital speed formula, given by: v = , where

v is the speed;

G is a constant: G = 6.67*

M is mass of a massive object;

R is the distance between the object orbiting and the massive object;

The formula can be rewritten as:

First, we change R from light years to km:

1km=1.057*

R=

Calculating mass:

M =

M = 4.25* kg

A solar mass is the standard unit of mass. It is approximately 2*Kg and can be used for comparison: A single star cannot be more than 50 solar masses.

50 solar masses = 50*2* = kg

Comparing the mass of the object with this parameter, we have

= 0.235. = 2.35.

From this, we know that 50 solar masses is greater than the small, massive object found. So, this object can be a single, ordinary star.