NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2003B-0258

# Proposal Information for 2003B-0258

PI: Jong-Hak Woo, Yale University, jhwoo@astro.yale.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, P.O. Box 208101, New Haven, CT 06520-8101, USA

CoI: C. Megan Urry, Physics department, Yale University
CoI: Paulina Lira, University de Chile
CoI: Jose Maza, University de Chile
CoI: Roeland van der Marel, Space Telescope Science Institute

Title: The AGN-Galaxy Connection

Abstract: We propose to test the Grand Unification" hypothesis, that AGN are a transient phase in the evolution of normal galaxies, by establishing whether AGN host galaxies lie on the same Fundamental Plane as normal ellipticals/bulges at similar redshift. This requires measuring the stellar velocity dispersions in the bulges of AGN host galaxies, and combining with their already-available HST-derived morphological parameters r_e (half-light radius) and (mu)_e (surface brightness at r_e). Complete Fundamental Plane measurements have to date been done only for a few nearby AGN of modest luminosity. Our targets are the host galaxies of a carefully selected sample of 32 (14 for 2003B) quasars out to z~0.2. We will also use the measured velocity dispersions and the tight M_\bullet-\sigma correlation observed (for galaxies and a few AGN) to estimate the quasar black hole masses (M_\bullet), a crucial parameter for understanding AGN physics. These masses can then be combined with already in-hand AGN SEDs to yield Eddington ratios. Our quasar sample spans a sufficient range in luminosity to probe the possible dependence of Eddington ratio or BH mass on either L or emission line strengths.

National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360

 NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2003B-0258