Quasar Superunification and the Man Behind the Curtain

这个项目将研究如何用它们的基本物理特征来解释类星体的广泛可观测特性，这些特性给我们提供了活动星系核的“动物园”。这包括对观测特征如何随物理参数（质量、吸积率等）的函数而变化的定量和实证研究，光谱能量分布的计算（特别是高红移类星体），以及对罕见类星体类别的一些考虑，这些类星体可以说明极端物理或被忽视的进化阶段。主要样本将是斯隆数字巡天的数据，并辅以其他档案数据和适当的新观测数据。即将创建的各种类星体目录将对更广泛的天文学界有价值，它们的发展将培养研究生和本科生。教育和推广工作将集中在如何利用科幻小说向新的和更多的观众推广科学，包括未来几年对教师有价值的资源材料，并将包括在nsf支持的怀俄明州高中天文学营地的演讲。

AST-0507781BrothertonThis project will study how the wide range of observable quasar properties that give us the "zoo" of active galactic nuclei may be explained in terms of their fundamental physical characteristics. This includes a quantitative and empirical investigation of how the observational traits vary as a function of the physical parameters (mass, accretion rate, and so on), the calculation of spectral energy distributions (particularly for high-redshift quasars), and some consideration of rare quasar classes that can illustrate extreme physics or over-looked evolutionary phases. The principal sample will be that of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, supplemented by other archival data and new observations where appropriate.The variety of quasar catalogs to be created will be of value to the wider astronomical community, and their development will train both graduate and undergraduate students. Educational and outreach efforts will focus upon how science fiction can be used to promote science to new and larger audiences, including resource material of value to teachers for years to come, and will include presentations at the NSF-supported Wyoming astronomy camp for high schools.