Interferometric observations of the galactic center: LBT and VLTI

Abstract

Current and future opportunities for interferometric observations of the Galactic Center in the near- and mid-infrared (NIR/MIR) wavelength domain are highlighted. Main emphasis is being put on the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). The Galactic Center measurements of stellar orbits and strongly variable NIR and X-ray emission from Sagittarius A* (SgrA*) at the center of the Milky Way have provided the strongest evidence so far that the dark mass concentration at this position is associated with a super massive black hole. Similar dark mass concentrations seen in many galactic nuclei are most likely super massive black holes as well. High angular resolution interferometric observations in the NIR/MIR will provide key information on the central massive black hole and the stellar cluster it is embedded in. These observations have already started: Recent results on the luminous dust enshrowded star IRS3 using MIDI at the VLTI are presented and future scientific possibilities in the GC using MIDI at the VLTI in the MIR and GRAVITY in the NIR are highlighted. As a NIR wide field interferometric imager offering an angular resolution of about 10 milliarcseconds LINC/NIRVANA at the Large Binocular Telescope will be an ideal instrument for imaging galactic nuclei including the center of the Milky Way.