In "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" the U.S.S. Enterprise is hijacked and diverted to a region near the center of our galaxy in search of the mythical Sha Ka Ree. The specific destination is a planet surrounded by a powerful energy field known as "the Great Barrier." After a bumpy ride through spectacular flares of energy organized on a colossal scale, the Enterprise manages to reach the planet.

The center of our galaxy, some 26,000 light years away in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, remains much of a mystery. However, we have managed to gain a rough understanding of what the actual "weather" might be like there. Recent research suggests that it may be both more violent and calmer than we had expected.

Observations from ground-based and satellite-based telescopes have shown that our galaxy (like many others) has a large black hole at its center. The black hole at the center of the galaxy is thought to be 2.6 million times more massive than our Sun. Until recently, the existence of this black hole was only theoretical.

Black holes grow over time by swallowing matter. When they do, a burst (flare) of energy is released. The larger the object devoured, the greater the flare. In the fall of 2001, the Chandra X-Ray telescope observed a huge X-ray flare from the precise region of our galaxy where the supermassive black hole is expected to exist. For a few minutes the X-ray intensity was 45 times its normal level — and then it quickly returned to normal. Exactly what you'd expect if a supermassive black hole "ate" something really big...and did so fast.

Conditions further out from the center of the galaxy may not be as violent — indeed, they are rather mild by comparison.

In 1972, a "ridge" of high-energy X-ray emissions was discovered at the center of our galaxy lying along the plane around which our galaxy is oriented. The source of these X-ray emissions has long puzzled astrophysicists. Some thought that massive regions of ultra-hot gas created from a yet-to-be-identified vast explosion were required for such emissions to occur. A much simpler explanation was announced last week. (Photo courtesy NASA)

Using the Chandra observatory, detailed observations of a portion of this ridge provide data that suggest that these emissions are more likely the result of low-energy cosmic rays bombarding and thus heating vast cold clouds of gas. Over time, this bombardment may lead to the eventual formation of stars — and planets from the material within the gas clouds. Rather calm when compared to the region around a supermassive black hole.

As such, here's some advice for those wishing to visit the center of our galaxy via starship: Don't get too close to that black hole, be on the lookout for embryonic solar systems, and be prepared to be tossed around when the X-ray winds hit. (And be skeptical of entities calling themselves God.)