Quantum Gravity Effects around Sagittarius A*

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential impact of non-perturbative quantum gravitational effects near Sagittarius A*, highlighting a specific region where these effects could be most significant, which is relevant for upcoming high-resolution observations.

Contribution

It identifies a specific region around 7/6 times the Schwarzschild radius where quantum gravity effects are predicted to be maximal, providing a target for observational tests.

Findings

Quantum effects may be strongest at 7/6 r_S

Potential observable signatures near the event horizon

Highlights importance for upcoming VLBI observations

Abstract

Recent VLBI observations have resolved Sagittarius A* at horizon scales. The Event Horizon Telescope is expected to provide increasingly good images of the region around the Schwarzschild radius $r_S$ of Sgr A* soon. A number of authors have recently pointed out the possibility that non-perturbative quantum gravitational phenomena could affect the space surrounding a black hole. Here we point out that the existence of a region around $\frac76 r_S$ where these effects should be maximal.