U.S.-Poland Astronomical Research on Consequences of Relativistic Proton Production in Active Galactic Nuclei

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The primary objective of this U.S.-Poland research project between Dr. Mitchell Begelman of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Dr. Marek Sikora of the Copernicus Astronomical Center, Warsaw, is to improve our understanding of the workings of active galactic nuclei. The researchers will do this by studying the astrophysical consequences of their hypothesis that relativistic protons are produced in quasars and other active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Their work should yield quantitative predictions about the fluxes of very high energy gamma rays and neutrinos. Detections of these particles would demonstrate the significance of relativistic hadrons in AGNs and potentially support the theory that they play a key role in formation of strong quasar winds. Results may solve several theoretical problems related to the observed galactic phenomena of BEL (broad emission line) and BAL (broad absorption line) regions. This project in extragalactic astronomy fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complimentary talents and pool research resources in areas at strong mutual interest and competence.