Hypervelocity Stars and the Galactic Center

TL;DR

This paper reviews current knowledge on hypervelocity stars, highlighting their significance in understanding the Galactic Center, black hole ejection mechanisms, and the Galaxy's dark matter distribution.

Contribution

It synthesizes existing research on HVSs, emphasizing their role in probing the Galactic Center and dark matter, and discusses observational challenges and opportunities.

Findings

HVS distribution links to black hole ejection mechanisms

HVSs provide insights into the stellar environment of Sgr A*

Observations can reveal the Galaxy's dark matter shape

Abstract

A summary of the current knowledge on hypervelocity stars (HVSs). HVSs are fascinating because their properties are linked to Sgr A* and the stellar environment of the Galactic Center. Observing the distribution of HVSs can address: 1) the nature of the black hole ejection mechanism, 2) the in-fall history of stars onto Sgr A*, 3) the types of stars orbiting Sgr A*, and 4) a unique measurement the shape of the Galaxy's dark matter potential. The challenge to observers is to find new HVSs and strengthen the connection between HVSs and the Galactic Center.