The Event Horizon Telescope image might need a correction
An independent analysis questions the Event Horizon Telescope's imaging of Sgr A*, suggesting the ring structure may be an artifact, while proposing a more reliable elongated structure representing a rapidly rotating accretion disc.
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An independent analysis of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) 2017 observations of Sgr A* suggests that the ring structure identified by the EHT Collaboration (EHTC) may be an artifact of the imaging process rather than a true representation of the black hole's shadow. The study indicates that the estimated shadow diameter closely matches the spacing between the main beam and the first sidelobe of the point spread function (PSF), raising concerns about the deconvolution methods used in the EHTC analysis. The authors argue that their hybrid imaging approach, which adheres to traditional very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) techniques, yields a more reliable elongated east-west structure, consistent with previous observations. This structure is hypothesized to represent a portion of the accretion disc rotating at nearly 60% of the speed of light, viewed at an angle of 40°-45°. The findings highlight potential issues in the EHTC's imaging process, particularly regarding the calibration and selection criteria that may have prioritized visual similarity over data consistency. The study emphasizes the importance of rigorous imaging techniques to avoid misinterpretations of astronomical data.
- The ring structure of Sgr A* may be an artifact from the EHTC imaging process.
- The estimated shadow diameter aligns with the PSF's sidelobe spacing, indicating potential deconvolution issues.
- The independent analysis reveals an elongated structure, suggesting a more reliable representation of Sgr A*.
- The observed structure may indicate a rapidly rotating accretion disc around the black hole.
- Traditional VLBI techniques were employed to enhance the reliability of the imaging results.
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