Professor Farhad Yusef-Zadeh is a distinguished astrophysicist whose pioneering work has transformed our understanding of the heart of our galaxy. As a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, he is internationally recognized for his decades-long research on the Galactic Center and the supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*.

Professor Yusef-Zadeh was among the first scientists to reveal that the center of the Milky Way is not a quiet region, but a dynamic and energetic environment filled with powerful magnetic structures, flaring activity, and extreme physical processes. Through innovative observations at radio and infrared wavelengths—using major facilities such as the Very Large Array (VLA) and other world-class observatories—his work has played a foundational role in shaping modern models of black hole environments and galactic nuclei.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Professor Yusef-Zadeh is deeply committed to advancing our collective understanding of the universe by pushing the boundaries of observation and interpretation. His research continues to influence how astronomers explore supermassive black holes, galactic evolution, and the fundamental physics governing extreme cosmic environments.

AstroTeach had the great honor of speaking with Professor Farhad Yusef-Zadeh on January 23, 2026, in an in-depth and inspiring conversation that spans black holes, the mysteries of the Milky Way’s core, the challenges of astronomical discovery, and the excitement of uncovering the unseen universe.

We invite you to explore this conversation and gain insight directly from one of the scientists who has helped redefine how we view the center of our galaxy.

 Watch the full interview below.