Which object is typically found at the center of galaxies?

Dive into the AST2002 Astronomy Midterm at UCF. Enhance your understanding through engaging flashcards and insightful multiple-choice questions. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for this academic challenge!

In the majority of galaxies, including our Milky Way, it is commonly observed that a supermassive black hole resides at the center. These black holes can have masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of our Sun. The presence of a supermassive black hole at the galactic center is supported by various observations, such as the motion of stars and gas in the vicinity, which demonstrate the extraordinary gravitational influence exerted by such a massive object.

Supermassive black holes are believed to play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. As galaxies merge and interact, their central black holes can eventually coalesce, contributing further to the growth of these massive entities. Additionally, the relationship between the mass of supermassive black holes and the overall characteristics of their host galaxies reveals fundamental insights into how galaxies evolve over time.

In contrast, other types of celestial objects mentioned, such as neutron stars, white dwarfs, and exoplanets, do not typically possess the required mass or gravitational influence to be found at the centers of galaxies. Neutron stars and white dwarfs are remnants of smaller stars that have gone through their life cycles, while exoplanets are planets that orbit stars. None of these objects have the significant mass or

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