Triggering Mechanisms, Duty Cycles, and Black Hole Masses in QSOs

AST-0507450 Canalizo该项目将解决一些关于类星体的悬而未决的基本问题，包括它们的触发机制和占空比，以及中央引擎的质量。 这项研究利用了最近发现的类星体宿主星系的可观测特征与其活动核的基本参数之间的关系。 对星星形成过程的研究以及与星系合并的任何可能关系将解决触发机制的问题。 光谱和深度成像观测将直接识别正常宿主星系中任何星暴后的恒星成分，从而限制核活动的起源和持续时间。 对宿主星系速度色散和中心黑洞质量之间关系的研究将采用一种观测和分析策略，这种策略应该能够更容易地测量速度色散，并可能最准确地估计中心黑洞质量。该计划将为早期宇宙的物理过程提供广泛的见解，并为天文学界的其他研究提供有价值的数据集。 至少有一名研究生将参与所有阶段。 研究主题和材料将纳入非专业课程和公开讲座。

AST-0507450CanalizoThis project will address some of the outstanding fundamental questions about quasars, including their triggering mechanisms and duty cycle, and the mass of the central engine. The investigation exploits recently discovered relationships between observable features of quasar host galaxies and fundamental parameters of their active nuclei. A study of star formation episodes and any possible relation to galaxy mergers will address the question of the triggering mechanism. Spectroscopic and deep imaging observations will directly identify any post-starburst stellar component in normal host galaxies, and thus place constraints on the origin and duration of the nuclear activity. Research into the relationship between host galaxy velocity dispersion and central black hole mass will employ an observing and analysis strategy that should enable easier measurements of the velocity dispersions and, potentially, the most accurate estimates to date of central black hole mass.The program will provide broad insight into physical processes in the early Universe, and a valuable data set for other studies by the astronomical community. At least one graduate student will be involved in all phases. Research themes and material will be incorporated in courses for non-majors, and in public lectures.