New findings from a study led by Dr. James De Buizer at the SETI Institute and Dr. Wanggi Lim at IPAC at Caltech shed light on the slow formation of high-mass stars in the Galactic Center of the Milky Way. Using data from NASA's retired SOFIA airborne observatory, the researchers focused on three star-forming regions at the heart of the Galaxy -- Sgr B1, Sgr B2, and Sgr C. Despite the abundance of star-making material in the Galactic Center, the rate of massive star formation there is surprisingly low compared to other parts of the Milky Way.

The team compared these Galactic Center regions to similar-sized areas further out in the Galaxy and found that the rate of star formation near the Galactic Center is below average. Despite the dense clouds of gas and dust in these regions, which are ideal for producing high-mass stars, the study revealed a struggle to form such stars. Additionally, these star-forming regions seem to lack the necessary material for sustained star formation, suggesting they may only produce one generation of stars.

Dr. De Buizer, the lead author of the study, explained that recent research indicates a decrease in star formation near the Galactic Center, with some studies even suggesting no ongoing star formation in the area. The team's high-resolution infrared images show that while massive stars are forming in the Galactic Center, the rate is relatively low.

The study proposes that the challenging conditions in the Galactic Center, including rapid orbits around the central black hole and interactions with older stars, may hinder the formation and longevity of stars in these regions. However, Sgr B2 stands out as an exception, maintaining its reservoir of gas and dust for potential future star cluster formation.

Traditionally, astronomers viewed giant H II regions like Sgr B1 and Sgr C as hosts of massive star clusters. This study challenges that view, suggesting these regions may not fit the typical definition of stellar nurseries, possibly representing a new category.

Using SOFIA's infrared capabilities, the team identified over 60 presently-forming massive stars within the Galactic Center regions. However, these regions produce fewer stars and lower stellar masses compared to the rest of the Galaxy.

Dr. Lim will present these findings at the 246th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Anchorage, AK, highlighting the unique characteristics of star formation in the Galactic Center.