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

新奇和影响：我领导的麦吉尔极端重力和吸积小组，研究宇宙中物质的最极端端点，黑洞和中子星。最先进的天体物理学实验正在使黑洞研究的快速创新成为可能，包括事件视界望远镜（EHT）、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，获得了M87星系中超大质量黑洞事件视界阴影的第一张图像，并首次联合探测到来自单一来源的引力波和电磁辐射，即中子星合并GW170817。这个研究项目推进了爱因斯坦广义相对论、等离子体和吸积物理学的前沿观测测试，并继续推动黑洞的前沿研究。结果：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)发布第一张EHT加多波长的银河系超大质量黑洞人马座A*的图像；(2)利用EHT和其他天文台探测黑洞喷流的起源；(3)超越单一的中子星碰撞联合探测，识别更多的黑洞和中子星合并，为引力波多信使天体物理学的新领域奠定基础。资助博士后4名，研究生论文7篇，本科生科研项目5项及以上。我与我的团队紧密合作，培养科研技能，培养智力独立和自信。我还致力于创造一个包容和尊重的研究环境。这些项目为培养多波长和多信使天体物理学的博士后、研究生和本科生提供了极好的机会，培养他们强大的数据分析、计算机编程、写作和演讲技能，为他们在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，该计划将使加拿大科学家和公众充分参与快节奏和令人兴奋的黑洞和中子星发现领域。第一张黑洞图像的影响波及全球，并及时提醒人们科学探索可以如何团结国家和人民。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活动中，并将通过新闻稿、新闻文章、公开演讲、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。

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.