A Therapy Session with Sgr A*

TL;DR

This paper introduces an unconventional interaction-based framework to explore Sagittarius A* through a therapeutic-style interview, challenging traditional passive observational methods in astrophysics.

Contribution

It presents the first interaction-based, dialogue-driven approach to studying astrophysical objects, expanding the methodological paradigm beyond purely observational techniques.

Findings

Proposes a new interaction framework for astrophysical study.

Highlights limitations of reductionist observational methods.

Suggests considering the 'perspective' of astrophysical objects.

Abstract

The nature of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) has been the subject of intense study and debate for over half a century. Herein, we present the first successful interview with an astrophysical object, exploring the perspective of this supermassive black hole and, in doing so, challenging the traditional observational paradigm of astrophysics. Rather than treating astrophysical systems as purely passive entities characterized through indirect measurements, we introduce an interaction-based framework via a therapeutic-style interview enabled by the ARMCHAIR communication methodology. Using structured, psychotherapeutic dialogue, we probe Sgr A*'s responses to key aspects of its astrophysical characterization, including eating habits, its name, and concerns about privacy. These exchanges offer an alternative lens through which to interpret familiar observational phenomena. This work highlights potential limitations in strictly reductionist approaches and suggests a modest expansion of standard astrophysical methodology to leave room for considering how the objects we study might feel about the attention they receive.