Is our galaxy’s black hole actually made of dark matter?
New Scientist
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The idea that our galaxy's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, might instead be a clump of dark matter has sparked debate among researchers. While traditional models suggest Sagittarius A* behaves like a typical black hole, some scientists propose that its gravitational properties could align with those of fermionic dark matter—a type of dark matter composed of extremely light particles. This hypothesis suggests that from a distance, the dark matter core would mimic the appearance and behavior of a supermassive black hole, though interactions within the core itself would differ significantly.
The research team created a model where fermionic dark matter forms a dense clump at the galactic center, matching observations of Sagittarius A* and other similar black holes. This includes the star and gas cloud orbits near the galactic core and the magnetic field patterns observed by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). However, challenges remain: the model struggles to explain phenomena close to the event horizon, such as the spiral magnetic fields that align more closely with black hole physics.
Despite these inconsistencies, the proposal offers an intriguing alternative explanation for the formation of supermassive black holes. If true, it could reshape our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter's role in the universe. However, current observational limits make definitive proof difficult, and experts remain divided on its likelihood. The debate underscores the importance of continued research into both black holes and dark matter, pushing the boundaries of our cosmic knowledge.
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Originally published on New Scientist on 2/19/2026