Sgr A* may power PeV protons by sacrificing its rotational energy

A new theoretical study suggests the Milky Way's supermassive black hole Sgr A*, about 4 million solar masses, could accelerate protons to several PeV by transferring rotational energy via the magnetic Penrose process. The escaping particles would collide with gas in the Central Molecular Zone, producing gamma rays and neutrinos detectable by SWGO and CTAO.

• Sgr A*, at ~4 million solar masses, may be a Galactic PeVatron
• Protons gain energy from the black hole's spin via the magnetic Penrose process
• Particle energies are estimated at several PeV
• Gamma-ray signals could be probed by SWGO and CTAO