If the galactic center is now thought to contain a supermassive black hole,why is the Sun not falling into it under the black hole's extreme gravity?
A) The inward force exerted on the Sun from the black hole is offset by the force exerted outward by the hidden "dark" matter beyond the Sun's orbit.
B) Its mass is so small that even this extreme mass concentration at the galactic center will not exert a significant force on it.
C) The Sun has sufficient velocity that it can orbit the galactic center in a circle.
D) The mutual gravitational forces of local stars in the Orion spiral arm are sufficient to overcome the strong inward force and keep the Sun moving in its orbit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Sun, like other stars in the Milky Way, is in orbit around the galactic center, and its velocity is sufficient that it does not fall into the supermassive black hole at the center. It is important to note that gravitational forces between objects are mutual, meaning that the black hole exerts a force on the Sun, but the Sun exerts an equal and opposite force on the black hole. Therefore, the Sun's motion is governed not just by the black hole's gravity, but also by the gravity of all the other stars and matter in the galaxy.

If the Galactic Center Is Now Thought to Contain a Supermassive