Physics at the Black Hole Frontier: The McGill Extreme Gravity and Accretion Group

黑洞前沿的物理学：麦吉尔极端重力和吸积群

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-03702
• 负责人: Haggard, Daryl
• 金额: $ 3.64万
• 依托单位: McGill University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=742683
• 关键词: Physics; Black; Hole; Frontier; McGill

Novelty and Impact: The McGill Extreme Gravity and Accretion group, which I lead, investigates the most extreme endpoints for matter in the Universe, black holes and neutron stars. State-of-the-art astrophysics experiments are enabling rapid innovation in studies of black holes, including revolutionary discoveries from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory and its European counterpart Virgo (LIGO-Virgo). In the last 5 years I have worked closely with these collaborations to achieve the first image of the shadow of a supermassive black hole's event horizon in the galaxy M87, and the first joint detection of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from a single source, the neutron star merger GW170817. This research program advances these cutting-edge observational tests of Einstein's theory of general relativity and of plasma and accretion physics, and continues to push black hole frontiers. Outcomes: In the coming 5 years, my team will lead ambitious observing campaigns and work with EHT and LIGO-Virgo to drive new discoveries. Our key objectives include (1) releasing the first EHT plus multi-wavelength images of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, (2) probing the origins of black hole jets with EHT and other observatories, and (3) pushing beyond a single joint detection of a neutron star collision to identify a larger population of black hole and neutron star mergers, laying the foundation for the new field of gravitational wave multi-messenger astrophysics. This program will support four postdoctoral fellows, seven graduate-level theses, and five or more undergraduate research projects. I work closely with my team to cultivate scientific research skills and develop intellectual independence and confidence. I also work to create an inclusive and respectful research environment. These projects offer excellent opportunities to train postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students in multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astrophysics, developing strong data analysis, computer programming, writing, and presentation skills that will prepare them for careers both inside and outside of academic Physics. Benefits to Canada: In addition to the important impact of training the next generation of scientists, this program will keep Canadian scientists and the public fully engaged in the fast-paced and exciting discovery domain of black holes and neutron stars. The impact of the first image of a black hole rippled across the globe and served as a timely reminder of how scientific exploration can unite nations and peoples. Astronomy compels citizens of all ages and backgrounds to think deeply about our place in the Universe. My team is actively engaged in outreach to the broader community and will work to bring the fruits of our labours into the public sphere via press releases, news articles, public talks, social media outlets, and other creative venues.

新奇和影响：我领导的麦吉尔极端重力和吸积小组研究宇宙、黑洞和中子星中物质的最极端端点。最先进的天体物理学实验使黑洞研究能够迅速创新，包括事件视界望远镜（EHT）和激光干涉仪引力波天文台及其欧洲同行Virgo（LIGO-Virgo）的革命性发现。在过去的5年里，我与这些合作密切合作，以实现星系M87中超大质量黑洞事件视界阴影的第一张图像，以及第一次联合探测来自单一来源的引力波和电磁辐射，中子星星合并GW 170817。该研究计划推进了爱因斯坦广义相对论和等离子体和吸积物理学理论的尖端观测测试，并继续推动黑洞前沿。 成果：在未来5年，我的团队将领导雄心勃勃的观测活动，并与EHT和LIGO-Virgo合作，推动新的发现。我们的主要目标包括（1）发布银河系超大质量黑洞人马座A* 的第一张EHT加多波长图像，（2）用EHT和其他天文台探测黑洞喷流的起源，以及（3）超越对中子星星碰撞的单一联合探测，以识别更多的黑洞和中子星星合并，为引力波多信使天体物理学的新领域奠定了基础。该计划将支持四个博士后研究员，七个研究生水平的论文，和五个或更多的本科研究项目。我与我的团队密切合作，培养科学研究技能，培养智力独立性和自信心。我还致力于创造一个包容和尊重的研究环境。这些项目提供了极好的机会，培养博士后，研究生和本科生在多波长和多信使天体物理学，发展强大的数据分析，计算机编程，写作和演示技能，这将使他们为学术物理学内外的职业生涯做好准备。 对加拿大的好处：除了培养下一代科学家的重要影响外，该计划还将使加拿大科学家和公众充分参与黑洞和中子星的快节奏和令人兴奋的发现领域。第一张黑洞图像的影响波及整个地球仪，并及时提醒人们科学探索如何能够将国家和人民团结起来。天文学迫使所有年龄和背景的公民深入思考我们在宇宙中的位置。我的团队积极参与到更广泛的社区外展，并将努力通过新闻稿，新闻文章，公开讲座，社交媒体和其他创意场所将我们的劳动成果带入公共领域。