Permanent star formation in the Galaxy's 'central parsec'

The distinctive features observed at the galactic center in different parts of the spectrum (a ring of cool molecular gas and dust, sources of ionizing UV radiation, the radio source Sgr A-asterisk, the peculiar plasma morphology, with thermal radio and IR sources) can all be explained if star formation is permanently in progress there. Stars would develop chiefly in the cool, dense molecular-dust ring, which is being replenished by interstellar gas swept out of the galactic core by wind emanating from hot, massive stars nearby. Stars born in the ring will leave it and concentrate toward the core region. These objects should include protostars such as IRS 16 NE, SW and also dark globules. Sgr A-asterisk is evidently the remnant of a supernova outburst in a massive close binary system analogous to SS 433 but much younger.