Structure and Evolution of Relativistic Outflows Associated with Supermassive Black Holes

AST-0406923 Lister首席研究员将对一个大型观测项目的数据进行详细分析，该项目正在研究宇宙中最强大的已知外流的结构和演变。 这些准直的相对论等离子体射流由活动星系核（AGN）中的超大质量黑洞提供动力，并由于其外部介质，内部磁场和固有流体不稳定性之间的相互作用而经历复杂的演化。 该观测项目涉及研究人员和他的学生，以及国家射电天文台，密歇根大学和丹尼森大学的合作者。 研究人员和学生将使用各种数据来研究鲜为人知的长期射流特性，包括喷嘴进动，静止特征以及特征的磁性和运动学演变。 模拟将描述样本中的选择效应，并从观察到的速度确定父种群的固有速度分布。 统计测试将寻找喷流速度和偏振特性之间的相关性，从而更好地了解磁场如何影响相对论流的运动学。该项目将大大拓宽普渡大学和丹尼森大学物理专业本科生的研究机会。 参与的学生将通过处理来自尖端天文设施的数据来学习有价值的研究和计算机技能，并将被鼓励在科学会议上展示他们的结果。 研究人员将为普渡大学教授的大规模招生天文学入门课程开发同伴教学活动。 通过开发用于印第安纳州普渡大学K-12物理外展计划的材料，以及维护一个大型互联网数据库（社区的重要资源），将实现更广泛的影响。

AST-0406923ListerThe principal investigator will carry out detailed analysis of data from a large observational program that is examining the structure and evolution of the most powerful known outflows in the Universe. These collimated, relativistic jets of plasma are powered by supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN), and undergo complex evolution due to interactions between their external medium, internal magnetic fields, and inherent fluid instabilities. The observing project involves the investigator and his students, and collaborators at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the University of Michigan, and Denison University. Various data will be used by the investigator and students to study poorly-known long-term jet properties, including nozzle precession, stationary features, and the magnetic and kinematic evolution of features. Simulations will characterize selection effects in the sample and determine the intrinsic speed distribution of the parent population from the observed speeds. Statistical tests will look for correlations between the speeds and polarization characteristics of the jets, leading to a better understanding of how magnetic fields influence the kinematics of relativistic flows.The project will significantly broaden the research opportunities available to undergraduate physics majors at Purdue and Denison University. Participating students will learn valuable research and computer skills by working on data from a cutting edge astronomical facility, and will be encouraged to present their results at scientific meetings. The investigator will develop peer-instruction activities for large-enrollment introductory astronomy courses taught at Purdue University. Even broader impact will be achieved through development of materials to be used in the Purdue K-12 physics outreach program in the state of Indiana, and by maintaining a large internet database, an important resource for the community.