The orbiting spot model gives constraints on the parameters of the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Center

摘要

We report on recent polarimetric observations of the 18 ± 3 min quasi-periodicity present in near-infrared flares from Sagittarius A~*. Observations in the K-band allow us a detailed investigation of the flares and their interpretation within the hot spot model. The interplay of relativistic effects plays a major role. By simultaneous fitting of the lightcurve fluctuations and the time-variable polarization angle, we give constraints to the parameters of the hot spot model, in particular, the dimensionless spin parameter of the black hole and its inclination. We consider all general relativistic effects that influence the polarization lightcurves. The synchrotron mechanism is most likely responsible for the intrinsic polarization. We consider two different magnetic field configurations as approximations to the complex structure of the magnetic field in the accretion flow. Considering the quality of the fit, we suggest that the spot model is a good description of the origin for the QPOs in NIR flares